faeces

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Adults in Western societies excrete approximately 200 g of faeces each day. Faeces consist of unabsorbed water, undigested fibre, short chain fatty acids (which are a major product of fermentation), relatively low concentrations of salts, and an extremely large number of bacteria including anaerobes, lactobacilli, yeasts, and coliforms. Faeces are normally ‘formed’ rather than fluid; this is advantageous as it indicates effective retrieval of fluid and electrolytes, and is a component of the continence mechanism. The colour of faeces relates predominantly to the presence of bile ‘pigments; in obstructive jaundice, when bile pigments are unable to enter the intestine, the faeces become pale and sometimes almost white.

Faeces may change consistency in pathological states (see diarrhoea and constipation). Faeces become offensive in malabsorption states, particularly when increased quantities of fat enter the colon and are then available for bacterial degradation. This also results in increased quantities of gas being present in faeces, which accounts for the fact that faeces float when there is fat malabsorption. Faeces become hard and more difficult to pass when the diet is low in dietary fibre. Other conditions which result in slow intestinal transit also tend to produce hard faeces.

Faeces act as a vehicle for many intestinal infections when the organism can exist in its natural state or in the form of a cyst which enables the infective agent (usually a parasite) to exist outside its host in the environment. Careful disposal of faeces and clear separation between sewers and domestic water supplies has been one of the most important primary public health interventions to prevent the spread of infectious gastrointestinal diseases.

— Michael Farthing, Anne Ballinger

See also alimentary system; constipation; defecation; diarrhoea; toilet practices.

Body waste, composed of undigested food residues, remains of digestive secretions that have not been reabsorbed, bacteria from the intestinal tract, cells, cell debris and mucus from the intestinal lining, and substances excreted into the intestinal tract (mainly in the bile). The average amount is about 100 g/day, but varies widely depending on the intake of dietary fibre.

Body waste containing undigested food (mainly dietary fibre), bile pigments, bacteria, mucus, and water. Faeces are formed in the colon, stored in the rectum, and eliminated through the anus. Nearly 450 grams (1 lb) of faeces can be produced per day on a high fibre diet, but this is greatly reduced in low fibre diets. Very small amounts of faeces continue to be produced during starvation.

The appearance of the faeces is sometimes used as an indicator of health. Very watery faeces may indicate diarrhoea and a disruption of the normal water reabsorption which takes place in the colon. Small, bullet-shaped faeces usually signify lack of fibre in the diet which may lead to constipation. Such small, hard faeces often have to be forced out under pressure; this can contribute to the development of haemorrhoids (piles), diverticulitis, hiatus hernia, and varicose veins. Oily, smelly faeces are usually the result of poor fat digestion. The ideal faecal shape is that of a snake and has a firm, semi-solid consistency

The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: solid excretory product evacuated from the bowels
  Synonyms: fecal matter, faecal matter, feces, BM, stool, ordure, dejection