The pyloric sphincter is a small muscle located at the lower end of the stomach. It acts like a gatekeeper, controlling the passage of partially digested food from the stomach into the small intestine, specifically the duodenum. This process is essential for proper digestion, as it allows the stomach to break down food before it moves on for further processing.
When the stomach is ready to release food, the pyloric sphincter relaxes, allowing small amounts of food to enter the small intestine. This helps ensure that the digestive system works efficiently, allowing nutrients to be absorbed properly. If the sphincter doesn't function well, it can lead to digestive issues.