Round muscles called sphincters may be found in all of these structures except the _____ .
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A
anus
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B
iris
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C
esophagus
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D
talus
Sphincters are circular muscles that control the opening and closing of passageways in the body, found in structures like the anus, iris, and esophagus but NEVER in the Talus.
The talus is a bone in the ankle and is not involved in controlling any passageways or openings, unlike the other structures listed.
A. Anus
The anus contains a sphincter muscle, called the anal sphincter, which controls the release of feces from the rectum. This is a typical location for sphincter muscles.
B. Iris
The iris contains sphincter muscles, specifically the sphincter pupillae, which control the size of the pupil to regulate the amount of light entering the eye.
C. Esophagus
The esophagus contains sphincter muscles at both its upper and lower ends (upper esophageal sphincter and lower esophageal sphincter). These sphincters help regulate the movement of food into the stomach and prevent backflow.
D. Talus
The talus is a bone in the ankle and does not have sphincter muscles. It is involved in transmitting weight from the tibia to the foot but does not function in controlling passageways or openings like the other structures listed.
Conclusion:
The talus does not contain sphincter muscles, making it the correct answer. Sphincters are found in structures like the anus, iris, and esophagus, where they regulate the opening and closing of passageways.

Topic Flashcards
Click to FlipWhat is the primary function of a sphincter muscle?
To regulate the opening and closing of a passage or orifice in the body.
What is the name of the sphincter muscle in the eye that controls pupil size?
The sphincter pupillae (or pupillary sphincter).
Which two skeletal muscles form the voluntary external anal sphincter?
The deep, superficial, and subcutaneous parts of the external anal sphincter (it's one muscle with three parts).
What is the name of the ring-like smooth muscle that prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus?
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) or cardiac sphincter.
The talus is a bone. With which two other major bones of the leg does it articulate to form the ankle joint?
The tibia and the fibula.