noun
the sphincter muscle of the anus
• Syn: ↑sphincter ani, ↑musculus sphincter ani
• Hypernyms: ↑sphincter, ↑anatomical sphincter, ↑sphincter muscle
• Part Holonyms: ↑anus
• Part Meronyms: ↑musculus sphincter ani externus, ↑musculus sphincter ani internus
* * *
noun : either of two sphincters controlling the closing of the vertebrate anus
a. : an outer sphincter of striated muscle extending from the coccyx to the central tendinous part of the perineum and surrounding the anus immediately beneath the skin — called also external anal sphincter
b. : an inner sphincter formed by thickening of the circular smooth muscle of the rectum — called also internal anal sphincter
Useful english dictionary. 2012.