External sphincter muscle of male urethra

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

External sphincter muscle of male urethra is a muscle that surrounds the urethra in males. It is responsible for controlling the flow of urine from the body. The muscle is located in the pelvic region and is part of the urinary system.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "sphincter" comes from the Greek word "sphinkter," which means "band" or "girdle." The term "urethra" comes from the Greek word "ourethra," which means "urinary canal."

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The external sphincter muscle of male urethra is a circular muscle that surrounds the urethra. It is located in the pelvic region, just below the prostate gland. The muscle is composed of smooth muscle fibers, which allow it to contract and relax in a controlled manner.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the external sphincter muscle of male urethra is to control the flow of urine from the body. When the muscle is relaxed, urine can flow freely from the bladder through the urethra and out of the body. When the muscle is contracted, it constricts the urethra, preventing the flow of urine.

Related Terms[edit | edit source]

  • Urethra: The tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
  • Prostate gland: A gland located in the male reproductive system that produces a fluid that contributes to semen.
  • Pelvic region: The area of the body located between the abdomen and the thighs.
  • Urinary system: The system in the body responsible for producing, storing, and eliminating urine.

See Also[edit | edit source]

External sphincter muscle of male urethra Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD