What purpose is served by muscular sphincters at various locations along the length of the GI tract?
What purpose is served by muscular sphincters at various locations along the length of the GI tract?
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), pyloric sphincter (PS), ileocecal sphincter (ICS), and internal anal sphincter (IAS) are the four smooth muscle sphincters in the GI tract (IAS).
Functions of sphincters in GI tract
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a group of muscles that connects the oesophagus to the stomach at its lowest point. The LES stops acid and stomach contents from flowing backwards from the stomach when it is closed. The LES muscles are not controlled by the brain.
The ICV is a separate part of the small intestine that works independently of the ileum and colon. It stops the faecal contents in the colon from entering the small intestine and controls the passage of contents from the small intestine into the colon.
Step by step
Solved in 3 steps
