Which sphincter is located at the outlet of the stomach?

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The pyloric sphincter is the muscle located at the outlet of the stomach, where it connects to the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine. Its primary function is to regulate the passage of partially digested food, known as chyme, from the stomach into the small intestine. This sphincter ensures that the stomach contents are sufficiently processed and that the release into the small intestine occurs in a controlled manner, preventing any backflow and maintaining the proper digestion process.

In contrast, the gastroesophageal sphincter, also known as the lower esophageal sphincter, is situated at the junction of the esophagus and stomach, preventing the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. The cardiac sphincter is another term sometimes used for the gastroesophageal sphincter. The anal sphincter is located at the end of the digestive tract and is responsible for controlling the release of waste from the body, not related to the stomach’s outlet. Thus, the pyloric sphincter is the correct answer as it specifically serves the function related to the stomach's exit.

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