Definition

Adjective (Anatomy): Relating to or characteristic of a sphincter, which is a ring-like muscle that contracts to close a bodily passage or opening.

Usage Examples

• (The ring-shaped muscle that opens and closes the anal passage.)
• (Injury to the muscle that regulates a bodily opening.)
• (The role of the ring muscle in the digestive process.)

Advanced Usage

• "sphincteric action": the contracting or relaxing movement of a sphincter muscle.

  • The sphincteric action of the pylorus controls the flow of food from the stomach to the small intestine. (The muscle's opening and closing movement regulates digestion.)

• "sphincteric tone": the resting tension or strength of a sphincter muscle.

  • Loss of sphincteric tone can lead to leakage. (Reduced muscle tension causes involuntary release.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sphincter (noun): the ring-like muscle itself.

  • The anal sphincter is a circular muscle. (The muscle that closes the anus.)

• Sphincterial (adjective): another form of "sphincteric," meaning the same.

  • Sphincterial muscles are found in various parts of the body. (Ring-shaped muscles appear in multiple locations.)

Synonyms

• Circular: shaped like a circle (describing the muscle's form).
• Constrictor: a muscle that narrows a passage (closely related in function).

Related Idioms

• (No common idioms exist for this technical term.)

Phrasal Verbs

• (No phrasal verbs are associated with this word.)

Additional Notes

This term is primarily used in medical or anatomical contexts. It is not commonly used in everyday language.