SPHINCTER URETHRAE

SPHINCTER URETHRAE

Sphincter urethrae are the muscles of urethra that control the flow of urine. They are two in number, external urethral sphincter and internal urethral sphincter.

Origin

External urethral sphincter (male) – inferior pubic ramus, prostate gland.

External urethral sphincter (female) – inferior pubic ramus.

Internal urethral sphincter – Inferior pubic ramus.

Insertion

External urethral sphincter (male) – prostate gland, perineal body.

External urethral sphincter (male) – anterior vaginal wall.

Internal urethral sphincter – perineal raphe.

Blood supply

Internal pudendal artery.

Nerve supply

External sphincter – Pudendal nerve.

Internal sphincter – Lumbar splanchnic nerves, inferior hypogastric nerve.

Action

When the muscle contracts, the flow of urine stops.

Disease/Injury

In females, these muscles get damaged during childbirth, which results in urinary incontinence.

Muscle Exercise

Kegel’s exercise helps to strengthen this muscle, in which you practice contraction and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles.

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