Urethral sphincters

Urethral Sphincters

The urethral sphincters are a group of muscles used to control the release of urine from the urethra. The muscles are located in the pelvis and are an essential part of the urinary system.

Etymology

The term "sphincter" is derived from the Greek word "sphinkter," which means "band" or "girdle." The term "urethral" is derived from the Latin word "urethra," which means "pipe" or "tube."

Anatomy

The urethral sphincters are composed of two distinct muscles: the internal urethral sphincter and the external urethral sphincter.

The internal urethral sphincter is a smooth muscle that is involuntary and is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. It is located at the bladder neck and the beginning of the urethra.

The external urethral sphincter is a skeletal muscle that is voluntary and is controlled by the somatic nervous system. It is located in the urogenital diaphragm, surrounding the urethra as it passes through the pelvic floor.

Function

The primary function of the urethral sphincters is to control the release of urine from the body. The internal sphincter remains contracted to retain urine in the bladder, and relaxes during urination. The external sphincter provides finer control over the release of urine, allowing for voluntary control over urination.

Related Terms

• Urinary incontinence: A condition characterized by the involuntary loss of urine.
• Urinary retention: A condition where the bladder cannot be completely emptied.
• Prostate: A gland in males that surrounds the urethra just below the bladder.

See Also

• Urinary system
• Pelvic floor
• Bladder

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