dilator (redirected from dilator muscles)

dilator /di·la·tor/ (di-lāt´er)

1. a structure that dilates, or an instrument used to dilate.

2. dilator muscle.

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di·la·tor (d-ltr, dl-, d-l-)

n.

1. An instrument or a substance for enlarging a cavity, canal, blood vessel, or opening.

2. A muscle that dilates an orifice or a body part, such as a blood vessel or the pupil of the eye. Also called dilatator.

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dilator

[dī′lātər]

Etymology: L, dilatare, to widen

a device for expanding a body opening or cavity. Examples include a tent dilator, consisting of a sponge or bundle of seaweed that expands the cervical os, and a Barnes' bag (dilator), a rubber bag that can be inserted into a body cavity and filled with water to produce pressure on the cavity walls.

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dilator

a structure (muscle) that dilates, or an instrument used to dilate.

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dilator pupillae muscle

dilator muscle of the pupil.

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dilator

Therapeutics A device used to stretch/enlarge an opening or tubular structure–eg, esophagus, to allow the passage of food. See Bougienage.