External sphincter muscle of female urethra

Gray's Anatomy illustration of the female urethra

Gray's Anatomy illustration of the muscles of the perineum

External sphincter muscle of female urethra is a muscle that surrounds the urethra in females and helps control the release of urine from the body. The term "sphincter" comes from the Greek word "sphinkter," which means "band" or "girdle." The "external" part of the name refers to the muscle's location outside the bladder.

Anatomy

The external sphincter muscle of female urethra is a circular muscle that surrounds the urethra. It is located just below the bladder and above the vaginal opening. This muscle is responsible for controlling the release of urine from the body. When the muscle is relaxed, urine can flow from the bladder, through the urethra, and out of the body. When the muscle is contracted, it closes off the urethra, preventing the flow of urine.

Function

The primary function of the external sphincter muscle of female urethra is to control urination. This muscle is voluntarily controlled, meaning a woman can choose when to relax or contract it. This allows for control over when and where urination occurs.

Related Terms

• Urethra: The tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
• Bladder: The organ that stores urine until it is ready to be released from the body.
• Sphincter: A circular muscle that normally maintains constriction of a natural body passage or orifice and which relaxes as required by normal physiological functioning.
• Urination: The release of urine from the body.

See Also

• Internal sphincter muscle of urethra
• Urinary system
• Urinary incontinence