Which term describes a circular muscle that surrounds an opening?

Prepare for the Funeral Service Sciences Examination of the National Board Exam. Practice with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which term describes a circular muscle that surrounds an opening?

Explanation:
A circular muscle that surrounds an opening is called a sphincter. It forms a ring around an orifice and tightens to close the opening, then relaxes to allow opening. This is seen in the anal sphincter, the pyloric sphincter at the stomach’s outlet, and the iris around the pupil. Ligaments connect bones, tendons attach muscle to bone, and valves control one-way flow but are not muscles that encircle an opening.

A circular muscle that surrounds an opening is called a sphincter. It forms a ring around an orifice and tightens to close the opening, then relaxes to allow opening. This is seen in the anal sphincter, the pyloric sphincter at the stomach’s outlet, and the iris around the pupil. Ligaments connect bones, tendons attach muscle to bone, and valves control one-way flow but are not muscles that encircle an opening.

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