The inability to voluntarily control the external urethral sphincter is known as ________. urinary retention hyperplasia urgency incontinence

Step 1: Break Down the Problem

To identify the correct term that describes the inability to voluntarily control the external urethral sphincter, we need to assess the options provided.

Step 2: Analyze the Options

1. Urinary Retention: This refers to the inability to completely empty the bladder.
2. Hyperplasia: This is an increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ, typically not related to sphincter control.
3. Urgency: This term describes a sudden and strong need to urinate but does not refer specifically to control.
4. Incontinence: This refers specifically to the inability to control urination, resulting in involuntary leakage of urine.

Step 3: Identify the Correct Answer

Given the definitions, incontinence is the term that best fits the description of the inability to voluntarily control the external urethral sphincter.

Final Answer

The inability to voluntarily control the external urethral sphincter is known as incontinence.