Sphincter - what is it? What are the sphincters and what are their functions

In the human body, everything is interconnected. In order for any of its functions to be realized, the combined work of several organs or even systems is necessary. An example is the digestive tract. Food falls into the stomach and is digested in its cavity. While this process is happening, it can not go any further. Once the stomach has performed its function, the food must be descended into the cavity of the duodenum. In order for this to happen, a special hole must be opened that will allow a partially digested lump to pass through. This principle is followed by all other organs, this applies to the urinary, sexual and other systems. An important role in this is played by the sphincter. What is it? Due to this organ, the substance is transferred (digestive lump, bile, pancreatic juices, feces, urine, semen) from one cavity to another.

Sphincter - what is it?

From the Greek language the name of this body is translated as "squeeze". Already from the name it becomes clear that the sphincters are able to change their form, that is, to relax or, on the contrary, to strain. With their participation, many processes take place in our body. To understand what is their meaning, it is necessary to answer the question: "Sphincter - what is this?" This organ consists of muscle tissue, so it has a pronounced ability to contract. Thanks to sphincters, we can control some of the natural processes of our body, eat, talk. In the cardiovascular system, their role is performed by valves that carry out a discharge of blood, its deposition, etc.

Classification of sphincters

Each sphincter is a circular muscle, nevertheless they have differences. Classify these organs can be by different criteria. There are anatomical and functional sphincters. The first group is the formalized organ structures, the presence of which is obvious. The latter are in the body in less quantity. A striking example is the lower esophageal sphincter, which does not have a clear anatomical structure, as a result of which it can not be visualized. Nevertheless, it performs the same function: if necessary, narrows or widens the cavity of the organ. The following classification is based on the type of muscles. There are striated and smooth muscle sphincters. The former are arbitrary, that is, controlled by human consciousness. The second - involuntary sphincters, they are represented by muscle pumas, which close and open the lumen of the digestive tract. Depending on belonging to a particular system, another classification is singled out. It includes digestive, secretory and visual sphincters.

What is a sphincter? Characteristics of individual species

Based on the classification, based on belonging to the functional system, it can be understood that each of the groups has several subspecies. The sphincter is a muscle that can move a substance not only from the cavity of one organ to another, but also between its parts. Most of this fact concerns the digestive system, so it includes many such organs. These include: upper and lower esophageal, duodenum, thin and large intestinal sphincters, and also the pylorus of the stomach. A separate group, entering the digestive tract, are muscles-compressors of the biliary and pancreatic systems. Genitourinary organs contain the inner and outer sphincter of the urethra. Only one muscle of this type belongs to the visual system. Due to this sphincter, the pupil is dilated and contracted.

Sphincters of the biliary and pancreatic systems

This group is of great importance in medical practice. Since pancreatitis is a very dangerous disease, it is necessary first of all to determine the functional activity of these muscles. The largest of them is the sphincter of Oddi. It is located in the feces papilla and is necessary for admission of bile and pancreatic juice into the lumen of the duodenum. With weak functional activity of this sphincter, reverse reflux of these substances can be observed. At the same time, corroding and gradual death of the pancreas occur. The sphincter has 3 components. Each of them represents a small muscle and departs from a certain organ, then they merge in the area of the falcon papilla. These parts are the sphincters of Westphalus (separating the cavity of the duodenum), the common biliary and pancreatic ducts.

Colon sphincters

As you know, the digestive tract consists of several departments, in each of which a certain process of food processing takes place. In the cavity of the small intestine, the necessary nutrients are absorbed. In the future, the food is already completely digested. Therefore, in the large intestine only the absorption of water occurs, as well as the formation and progress of stool. In each of the departments there are sphincters, which delay (and subsequently miss) the processed foods of the body. The most important are anal circular muscles. There are 2 types: involuntary and voluntary and sphincter. The first consists of a smooth muscle tissue and passes the stool to the ampulla of the rectum. The external anal sphincter leaves directly into the environment and is controlled by the human consciousness.

Disruption of the digestive sphincter

When the circular muscles work poorly, problems occur throughout the body. With insufficient activity or complete atrophy of any sphincter, the entire system to which it relates is affected. If it concerns the upper parts of the digestive tube, then a reverse cast of the contents is observed. This is manifested by the appearance of frequent vomiting of eaten food, bile, sour masses. Her character depends on the department in which the reflux occurred (esophagus, stomach, duodenum). Disruption of the sphincter function of the lower part of the digestive tract is manifested by prolonged congestion of stools, abdominal pain. If this condition is not diagnosed in time, intestinal obstruction can develop.

Incontinence of stool and urine

If the patient complains of an uncontrolled act of bowel movement or urination, suspicion of sphincter function should be suspected. Involuntary discharge of fluid can occur with poor contractility of the circular muscle. If the urinary bladder is unable to retain urine in its cavity, then talk about the insufficiency of the sphincter, which can be true and false. The same applies to the act of defecation. If the external anal sphincter is not working, a person can not control the process, and incontinence occurs. Each of these pathologies does not only physical, but also moral damage, so you need to turn in time for surgical care.

Artificial sphincters

In some situations, it is impossible to bring a circular muscle into action. Most often this occurs with advanced diseases or with a congenital absence or removal of this organ. In such cases, an artificial sphincter is used. In most cases, such operations end favorably and significantly facilitate the life of patients.

So, what is the sphincter? This muscle is of great importance for the body, facilitates the exercise of its functions and prevents many pathological conditions. Now you know what a sphincter is. Photos of this body are presented in the article.