The cardiac sphincter in the cat.
A study of the function of the lower end of the oesophagus in the cat confirms that it behaves as a true physiological sphincter, even though histological evidence for such a structure is absent. Sphincteric action is a function of the circular muscle fibres in the lowest 2 cm. of the oesophagus. Reflex changes in tone of the sphincter are mediated through the autonomic nervous system. The effects of possible neurohumoral transmitters, nerve stimulation, and antagonists have been studied.
D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats; D049630:Esophageal Sphincter, Lower; D004947:Esophagus / Q000502:physiology*
ESOPHAGUS/physiology