Question

What is the key function of sphincters found along the digestive system?

Answer 1

The digestive system is like a pipe that connects the mouth with the other end. Sphincters are constrictions, narrowings, like rubber bands that close this tube at various points along its length. Think about what would happen - i.e., the rate of flow of materials through the tube - if there were no ways of closing it at strategically important points along its length.