how many sphincters do we have?

Posted 01.20.2004 by Poonurse (1313)

Quasimoto asks:

When I was in high school, I was taught that you had a very unusual muscle in your body, a circular muscle, and the human body has only two of this type. The muscle is called a sphincter, and one is located at the bottom of your stomach, and the other, of course, is your asshole.

Since that time, I have heard (read mainly in mens magazines) the word 'sphincter' used in the plural, as in, "The horny stud dilated her sphincters with his throbbing 12 inches..."

Curious, I asked around, and the answer I received was thus: You DO have TWO sphincters (not including the stomach one;) the "inside" one is involuntary and only opens when a turd is waiting for dismissal, the "outide" sphincter is the one you pinch shut while running for an available toilet.

So, which is it? Do I have one asshole or two?

Dear Quasi,

What you have heard is quite correct--you have 2 sphincters (besides the stomach one).

Internal sphincter
It is at the lower edge of the muscle which makes up the wall of the rectum. Although one cannot move it at his own will because it is controlled by the autonomous nerve system, it is the role of this muscle to keep the anus closed.

External sphincter
Strong muscle that one can tighten at will since it is controlled by the spinal nerve. There are a lot of venous plexus, which is the part where veins gather together like meshes of a net.

Hope this helps!

Please be advised that I am only a Poonurse. I am NOT a medical doctor. Any advice I give should be taken moderate skepticism. Please consult a REAL medical doctor if you feel you have a serious medical condition.

-- Poonurse

Poonurse is an RN with 25 years experience in labor and delivery. Her qualifications include seeing a lot of poop, and owning a computer. Also, she works in Michigan, which she calls the asshole of the universe, so that's another bit of credibility. Got a question for her?

email this page | printer friendly version

The Shit Volcano (3740) -- 10.01.2004

We have three sphincters- The White House, The House, and The Senate.

Just got the squirts :( (not verified) -- 03.24.2006

What about the spincter of odi (leading from your duodenum in your CBD and pancreas)? Im sure theres probably a few more aswell, althought none poo related.

Nikesha (not verified) -- 08.16.2006

I was wondering... how many muscles in the human body does it take to poop?

Thank You!

GottaGoGirl (2616) -- 08.17.2006

THIS is a question for: (*Dah da da DAH!*) MOTHERLOAD, our POODIATRICIAN!

Fart Poopie (1257) -- 08.17.2006

We have one between the esophagus and the stomach, another between the stomach and small intestine, and one we call the anus.

Are the irises in our eyes considered sphincters? That would make five (that I know of), if they are.

Motherload (1058) -- 08.17.2006

Thank you GGG for laying this doosey of a question on me. I will do my best here.

For the original question concerning the number of sphincters we have, the answer would be at least 42 that are known. Some of these can be seen with the naked eye, and some are microscopic.

A sphincter is simply a circular muscle that maintains constriction of an opening. There is at least one sphincter in every organ in the body except for the ear. Most of them are in the digestive system.

As far as the question regarding how many muscles it takes to poop, well, there are just too many variables to consider. Is the pooper seated upon a toilet or squatting in the woods? Is the pooper smiling due to immense relief, or grimacing in pain? Is the pooper straining with a massive turd, or just sitting there letting the butt lava flow forth freely?

Anyway, there is the distinct possibility in my opinion, that depending on the circumstances, it very well could take every muscle you have--which is around 650 skeletal muscles, plus the 42 sphincters, and then some.

_______
Always looking out for number two!

Swerve (not verified) -- 04.02.2007

What about capillary spincters controling blood flow?

mountpleasants (not verified) -- 10.23.2007

Actually a vast majority of the capillaries in your body are surounded by smooth muscle and are in fact sphincters. Considering every pound of fat you put on needs 200 miles of capillaries and venous return you can see we have millions of spchinters. Now try clenching them!