Pyloric valve

Pronunciation
/pi-LOR-ik valv/
Category
Anatomy
Singular
Pyloric valve
Plural
Pyloric valves

Definition

A muscular valve located at the junction of the midgut and the hindgut in insects, regulating the passage of food from the midgut to the hindgut.

Etymology

From Latin 'pylorus', meaning 'gastro-intestinal passage', and 'valve' referring to its function as a gate.

Example

The pyloric valve in a honey bee helps to prevent the backflow of digestive contents from the hindgut to the midgut.

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