What is the name of the muscle that controls the passage from the stomach to the lower gastrointestinal tract?

The muscle that controls the passage from the stomach to the lower gastrointestinal tract is known as the pyloric valve or pyloric sphincter. This muscle is located at the junction of the stomach and the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) and plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of partially digested food (chyme) from the stomach into the small intestine.

When the pyloric sphincter is open, it allows small amounts of chyme to pass through, facilitating digestion and absorption in the intestines. Its ability to close is essential for preventing backflow into the stomach and ensuring that food is properly processed before entering the small intestine. This function is vital for maintaining the organized movement of food and waste in the gastrointestinal tract.

While the other options represent different sphincters or valves within the digestive system, they control different passages. The cardiac sphincter, for example, is located at the esophagus and prevents stomach contents from moving back into the esophagus, and the ileocecal valve regulates the flow between the small intestine and the large intestine. Understanding the specific function of each muscle and valve helps clarify their roles in the digestive process.