- #1
Ahmed Abdullah
- 203
- 3
Otherwise, why we don't stink all the time?
Is the sphincter in the human anus air-tight?
- Thread starter Ahmed Abdullah
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the airtightness of the sphincter in the human anus, exploring whether it can prevent odors and gas from escaping. The scope includes anatomical considerations, physiological functions, and comparisons with other species.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants question why humans do not constantly emit odors, suggesting that the sphincter must have some level of airtightness.
- One participant mentions anecdotal evidence from friends regarding the airtightness of frog sphincters, indicating variability across species.
- Another participant proposes that while the sphincter may not be completely airtight, it could be airtight up to a certain pressure, allowing for occasional gas release.
- There is mention of discrete leaks that may go unnoticed by individuals but can be detected by others, suggesting a complexity in the sphincter's function.
- A participant explains the presence of two anal sphincters and valve-like folds that may contribute to controlling gas release, questioning the airtightness of the external sphincter specifically.
- One participant uses an analogy of a beachball with a tiny pinhole to illustrate the concept of a small, continuous leak being insignificant.
- There is uncertainty expressed regarding the definitive nature of the sphincter's airtightness, with references to obscure anatomical literature that may provide further insights.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the sphincter is completely airtight, with multiple competing views and uncertainties remaining in the discussion.
Contextual Notes
Some claims rely on anecdotal evidence and personal observations, and there are unresolved questions about the anatomical and physiological details of the sphincter and its functions.
- #2
OCR
- 995
- 936
I really can't speak about the human end of this question...
But, I can assure you that many of my 'mechanic type' friends swear (literally), that the sphincter in the frog anus is water tight.
I have assumed this to be correct on many occasions, myself.
OCR...
But, I can assure you that many of my 'mechanic type' friends swear (literally), that the sphincter in the frog anus is water tight.
I have assumed this to be correct on many occasions, myself.
OCR...
- #3
Isaacsname
- 63
- 9
Wow, what an awesome question.
I can see by looking at my past posts that were removed from the forums I might need to produce more suitable topics for discussion like this one.
I can see by looking at my past posts that were removed from the forums I might need to produce more suitable topics for discussion like this one.
- #4
Tea Jay
- 95
- 0
Ahmed Abdullah said:
Are you sure you don't?
Also, most of what's released in Nitrogen, which is odorless.
They also obviously "blow off excess pressure" from time to time...so while "air tight", this does seem to have a "air tight up to a certain pressure" qualification.
Some also seem to have discrete leaks that were (Claimed) to be undetected by the owner of the anus, albeit detected by proximal organoleptic receptors, which are swift to alert said leaking anus owner of these otherwise discrete leakage events.
- #5
Ahmed Abdullah
- 203
- 3
Tea Jay said:
LOL
- #6
Moonbear
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 11,919
- 54
There are actually two anal sphincters, plus some valve-like folds in the anal canal between them. The valve-like folds ensure that when you pass flatus (that's the technical term for gas or fart) it's only flatus that escapes. Is the external sphincter airtight? That's the one under voluntary control, so probably the one you're asking about. I don't know for certain, but I doubt it. More likely, the small, continuous "leak" is just too insignificant to notice. Think of a beachball with a tiny pin hole in it. You can still fill it with air, and it'll hold most of it for a while, even though a little bit is always escaping. The more deflated the ball, the less pressure is pushing toward that hole, so the leak slows. Though, I'm not sure if there is a definitive answer. Then again, there are some obscure anatomical journals that publish a lot of weird things you never knew anyone wanted to know.