Definition: The "cardiac sphincter" is a special muscle, also called a valve, located at the end of the esophagus (the tube that carries food from your mouth) and the beginning of the stomach. Its job is to open and close to allow food to pass into the stomach and to prevent stomach contents from coming back up into the esophagus.
In more advanced contexts, you might discuss conditions related to the cardiac sphincter, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which occurs when the sphincter does not close properly and allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
While "cardiac sphincter" is a specific term, it doesn't have common variants. However, you might encounter related terms like: - Esophageal sphincter: Referring to the muscle at the upper end of the esophagus. - Lower esophageal sphincter (LES): Another name for the cardiac sphincter.
The term "cardiac" in other contexts usually refers to the heart. For example, "cardiac arrest" means the heart has stopped beating. So, it's important to know that in "cardiac sphincter," it relates specifically to the esophagus and stomach.
There are not many direct synonyms, but you can refer to it as: - Lower esophageal sphincter (LES): This term is often used interchangeably with "cardiac sphincter."
There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs that include "cardiac sphincter." However, you may hear phrases related to digestive health, like: - "Upset stomach": Refers to discomfort in the stomach area, which can involve issues with the cardiac sphincter.
In summary, the cardiac sphincter is a crucial muscle that helps regulate the flow of food from the esophagus to the stomach and prevents backflow, which is essential for proper digestion.