Definition

1. Noun:
   • The muscular valve controlling passage from the stomach: The "pyloric sphincter" is a ring of smooth muscle that acts as a valve at the lower end of the stomach, specifically at the pylorus. Its primary function is to regulate the flow of partially digested food (chyme) from the stomach into the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine.

Usage

• The term is used exclusively in anatomical, medical, and biological contexts to describe this specific physiological structure.
• It is typically used with the definite article "the" (e.g., pyloric sphincter) when referring to the structure in general or in a specific body.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The pyloric sphincter relaxes periodically to allow small amounts of chyme to enter the duodenum.
  • A malfunctioning pyloric sphincter can lead to digestive disorders such as gastroparesis or pyloric stenosis.

Advanced Usage

• "Pyloric sphincter tone": Refers to the normal state of partial contraction of the muscle.
  • Medications can affect pyloric sphincter tone, altering the rate of gastric emptying.
• "Pyloric sphincter dysfunction": A clinical term for when the valve does not open or close properly.
  • The patient's symptoms were consistent with pyloric sphincter dysfunction.

Variants and Related Words

• Pylorus (noun): The region of the stomach that connects to the duodenum, which contains the pyloric sphincter.
  • The pylorus is the distal funnel-shaped part of the stomach.
• Pyloric (adjective): Of or relating to the pylorus.
  • The surgeon performed a pyloric dilation procedure.

Synonyms

• Pyloric valve: A less formal synonym often used interchangeably in some contexts.
  • The pyloric valve ensures that food does not re-enter the stomach from the small intestine.

Notes on Meaning

• The "pyloric sphincter" is one of several sphincter muscles in the digestive tract. Its specific role is to control gastric emptying, preventing the duodenum from being overloaded and allowing time for stomach acids to work. It is distinct from other sphincters like the lower esophageal sphincter or the anal sphincter.

Noun

1. the sphincter muscle of the pylorus that separates the stomach from the duodenum