| physiological processes | The functions of living organisms and their parts, and the physical and chemical factors and processes involved. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| physiological sphincter | A section of a tubular structure that acts as if it has a band of circular muscle to constrict it, although no such specialised structure can be found on morphological examination. Synonym: functional sphincter, radiological sphincter. (05 Mar 2000) |