Question

What function is served by the gastric sphincter and anal sphincter?

Answer 1

Sphincters:

1. Sphincters are circular muscles that act as valves, allowing particular areas of the body to open and close.
2. Examples - Gastro-oesophageal sphincter, pyloric sphincter, sphincter of Oddi, and anal sphincter.

Gastric sphincter:

It regulates the opening of the esophagus into the stomach.

Anal sphincter:

It is a ring of muscle that opens and shuts at the bottom of the anus and is important for bowel function regulation.