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Book

Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Sphincter Urethrae

Peter Sam  1 , Jay Jiang  2 , Stephen W. Leslie  3 , Chad A. LaGrange  2
In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan.
.
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Book

Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Sphincter Urethrae

Peter Sam et al.
Free Books & Documents

Excerpt

The urethral sphincter is a muscular structure that regulates the outflow of urine from the bladder into the urethra. There are two urethral sphincters, the external and internal urethral sphincters. When these muscles contract, the urethra narrows, and urination stops or slows.

The urethral sphincter is critical for the maintenance of urinary continence. Urinary incontinence is often associated with the pathology of the urethral sphincter and is a very common problem worldwide. Also, normal internal urethral sphincter function is necessary for the ejaculation of semen in males. The urethral sphincter muscles are located within the deep perineal pouch.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: Peter Sam declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Jay Jiang declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Stephen Leslie declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Chad LaGrange declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

References

    1. Jung J, Ahn HK, Huh Y. Clinical and functional anatomy of the urethral sphincter. Int Neurourol J. 2012 Sep;16(3):102-6. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Heesakkers JP, Gerretsen RR. Urinary incontinence: sphincter functioning from a urological perspective. Digestion. 2004;69(2):93-101. - PubMed
    1. Leslie SW, Tran LN, Puckett Y. StatPearls [Internet] StatPearls Publishing; Treasure Island (FL): 2024. Aug 11, Urinary Incontinence. - PubMed
    1. Shermadou ES, Rahman S, Leslie SW. StatPearls [Internet] StatPearls Publishing; Treasure Island (FL): 2023. Jul 24, Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Bladder. - PubMed
    1. Bordoni B, Sugumar K, Leslie SW. StatPearls [Internet] StatPearls Publishing; Treasure Island (FL): 2023. Jul 17, Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Pelvic Floor. - PubMed

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