Function
In addition to the internal and external sphincters, in males the urethra extends to the end of the penis, where it opens up to the outside.
The levator ani, the voluntary muscle of the pelvic floor, can be used to control urination. In females this muscle may be damaged, most commonly by childbirth, leading to weakness of the sphincter mechanism and stress incontinence. Kegel exercises are a form of exercise intended to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. They are also known as Pelvic Floor Muscle Training.
Read more about this topic: Sphincter Urethrae
Famous quotes containing the word function:
“The more books we read, the clearer it becomes that the true function of a writer is to produce a masterpiece and that no other task is of any consequence.”
—Cyril Connolly (1903–1974)
“For me being a poet is a job rather than an activity. I feel I have a function in society, neither more nor less meaningful than any other simple job. I feel it is part of my work to make poetry more accessible to people who have had their rights withdrawn from them.”
—Jeni Couzyn (b. 1942)
“No one, however powerful and successful, can function as an adult if his parents are not satisfied with him.”
—Frank Pittman (20th century)