Pylorospasm is best described as?

• A. Dilation of the pyloric sphincter.
• B. Abnormal spasm of the pyloric sphincter.
• C. Formation of ulcers in the pylorus.
• D. Overproduction of stomach acid.

Answer: (B)

Pylorospasm is an abnormal contraction of the pyloric sphincter, the ring of smooth muscle at the stomach’s outlet that normally regulates emptying into the duodenum. When this sphincter spasms inappropriately, its lumen narrows and gastric contents have trouble passing through, causing impaired or delayed gastric emptying. This is a motor (functional) issue of the sphincter, not a structural widening, mucosal ulcer, or excessive acid production. Dilation would widen the opening, ulcers involve tissue lesions in the pylorus, and overproduction of acid relates to hyperacidity rather than sphincter movement. Therefore, the best description is an abnormal spasm of the pyloric sphincter.