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Glite Dictionary
urethral sphincter

urethral sphincter

7.5
Muscle around the tube from the bladder that closes to stop urine
  • noun
  • /jʊˈriːθrəl ˈsfɪŋktər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : esfínter uretral
  • The urethral sphincter plays a crucial role in maintaining urinary continence.

Examples

  • Injury to the urethral sphincter can cause problems with bladder control.

  • Doctors may assess the strength of the urethral sphincter during urological examinations.

  • The urethral sphincter plays a crucial role in urine control.

  • During urination, the urethral sphincter relaxes.

  • The urethral sphincter relaxes to allow urine to flow from the bladder.

  • Exercises that strengthen the urethral sphincter can help control urinary incontinence.

  • After surgery, she was taught how to properly contract her urethral sphincter to manage her bladder function.

Synonyms

musculus sphincter urethrae
vsurethral sphincter
  • Specialized
8.4

A muscle around the tube that carries urine that you can tighten to hold urine

is described by its role in controlling urine release rather than fiber type

How Tight

spasticity
  • Specialized
2 9.4
urethral sphincter
  • Specialized
7.5
flaccid bladder
  • Specialized
8.1

Surface Forms

urethral sphincter singular
urethral sphincters plural

Morphology

urethral + sphincter

Both constituents are compositional: 'urethral' specifies relation to the urethra and 'sphincter' denotes a muscle that closes an opening. A B1 learner who knows these parts can directly infer this refers to the sphincter muscle around the urethra that controls urine release, so the term is transparent.

Etymology

Urethral sphincter is a ring-shaped muscle called a sphincter that sits around the urethra and works like a small valve. When it tightens it 'stops the flow' and when it relaxes it lets urine pass, so the name helps you remember it controls 'passing urine'.