The sphincter muscle is a circular muscle that surrounds an opening or passage in the body. It is responsible for regulating the flow of substances through the opening and maintaining pressure. There are several synonyms for the term "sphincter muscle," including ring muscle, circular muscle, and constrictor muscle. Other terms that may be used to describe a specific type of sphincter muscle include anal sphincter, esophageal sphincter, and pyloric sphincter. These muscles are found throughout the body and are essential for maintaining proper function in many bodily processes, including digestion, urination, and breathing.