Definition

Noun: A ring-shaped muscle that controls the release of urine from the urinary bladder. It is formed by a thickened layer of the bladder's own muscular wall surrounding the opening to the urethra.

Usage

The term "bladder sphincter" is used in anatomical, medical, and biological contexts to specifically identify the muscular structure responsible for urinary continence. - It functions to keep the urethra closed, preventing urine leakage. - It must relax to allow the bladder to empty urine through the urethra.

Examples

• Medical Explanation:
• Anatomical Description:
• Patient Discussion:

Advanced Usage

• Internal Urethral Sphincter: In detailed anatomical terminology, "bladder sphincter" is often synonymous with the "internal urethral sphincter," which is involuntary (smooth muscle).
• Sphincteric Mechanism: The term may be part of discussing the complete "urethral sphincteric mechanism," which includes both internal (bladder) and external voluntary sphincters.

Variants and Related Words

• Internal Urethral Sphincter: A more precise clinical term for the bladder sphincter.
• Urethral Sphincter: A broader term that can refer to either the internal (bladder) or external sphincter.
• Detrusor Muscle: The main bladder muscle that contracts to expel urine, working in opposition to the sphincter.
• Urinary Sphincter: A general term for sphincters associated with the urinary system.

Synonyms

• Internal Urethral Sphincter
• Vesical Sphincter (less common)

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Sphincter Incompetence: Medical condition where the bladder sphincter does not close properly.
• Sphincterotomy: A surgical procedure involving cutting the sphincter muscle.
• Bladder Neck: The region where the bladder connects to the urethra, containing the sphincter.

Noun

1. the sphincter muscle of the urinary bladder; made up of a thickened muscular layer of bladder around the urethral opening