Glossary Term:
Title
sphincter
Phonetic
<b>sfink</b>-ter
Description
A ring-like muscle that can open and close to control the passage of waste out of the body. The urethral sphincter squeezes the urethra shut and provides bladder control. There are 2 of these muscles in the anus to control stool (feces), called the external and internal anal sphincters.