| functional 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) |
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| lower oesophageal sphincter | <anatomy> A muscular sphincter located at the junction of the oesophagus and the stomach. On closure the lower oesophageal sphincter prevents the back wash (reflux) of stomach acid into the oesophagus where it may damage the mucosa. See: gastrooesophageal reflux disease. (16 Mar 1998) |