External Urethral Sphincter

Definition

The external urethral sphincter is a circular muscle that surrounds the urethra and helps control the release of urine from the bladder. It is an important component of the urinary system and plays a crucial role in maintaining continence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The external urethral sphincter is a voluntary muscle that allows individuals to consciously control the release of urine.
2. It is located at the base of the bladder and is composed of striated muscle fibers.
3. The external urethral sphincter works in coordination with the internal urethral sphincter to maintain urinary continence.
4. Damage or dysfunction of the external urethral sphincter can lead to urinary incontinence, a common condition that affects both men and women.
5. Strengthening the external urethral sphincter through pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegel exercises, can help improve urinary control and prevent incontinence.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of the external urethral sphincter in the context of the axial muscles of the abdominal wall and thorax.
  • The external urethral sphincter, as a voluntary muscle, is part of the axial musculature of the body. It is located in the pelvic floor region, which is considered part of the abdominal wall. The external urethral sphincter works in coordination with the abdominal and thoracic muscles to regulate the flow of urine from the bladder, contributing to the overall control and coordination of the urinary system.
• Describe how the external urethral sphincter is involved in the gross anatomy of urine transport.
  • The external urethral sphincter is a crucial component of the gross anatomy of urine transport. It surrounds the distal portion of the urethra and, along with the internal urethral sphincter, controls the release of urine from the bladder. When the external urethral sphincter is contracted, it prevents the flow of urine, allowing the bladder to fill. When the sphincter relaxes, it allows urine to be expelled from the body, facilitating the completion of the urine transport process.
• Analyze the importance of the external urethral sphincter in maintaining urinary continence and how its dysfunction can lead to incontinence.
  • The external urethral sphincter plays a vital role in maintaining urinary continence by consciously controlling the release of urine. When the external urethral sphincter is functioning properly, it allows individuals to voluntarily hold in urine until an appropriate time and place. However, if the external urethral sphincter is damaged or dysfunctional, it can lead to a loss of voluntary control over urine release, resulting in urinary incontinence. This condition can have significant impacts on an individual's quality of life and may require specialized treatment, such as pelvic floor exercises or medical interventions, to restore proper sphincter function and continence.

Related terms

Urethra: The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.

Internal Urethral Sphincter:

The internal urethral sphincter is a smooth muscle that surrounds the proximal urethra and helps control the flow of urine.

Pelvic Floor Muscles:

The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that support the pelvic organs, including the bladder and urethra, and play a role in urinary and fecal continence.