Feces

Feces or faeces are the solid or semisolid remains of food that could not be digested in the small intestine. Bacteria in the large intestine further break down the material. Feces contain a relatively small amount of metabolic waste products such as bacterially altered bilirubin, and the dead epithelial cells from the lining of the gut.

Formation

The process of producing feces is called defecation. This process starts in the small intestine, where the partially digested food enters from the stomach. The small intestine absorbs the nutrients from the food. The remaining waste material then enters the large intestine, where it is further broken down by bacteria. The bacteria produce various compounds, including gases such as methane, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide. These gases give feces its smell.

Composition

Feces are primarily made up of water. The remaining solid portion is 84–93% organic solids. These organic solids consist of: 25–54% bacterial biomass, 2–25% protein or nitrogenous matter, 25% carbohydrate or undigested plant matter and 2–15% fat. The exact composition can vary widely depending on the diet and health of the individual.

Health aspects

The color and consistency of feces can be a significant indicator of an individual's health. Healthy feces are usually brown due to the presence of bilirubin, which is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells in the liver and bone marrow. The consistency of feces can also indicate health issues. For example, hard or dry feces can be a sign of dehydration or constipation, while loose or watery feces can be a sign of diarrhea or other digestive problems.

See also

• Digestive system
• Human feces
• Animal feces
• Defecation

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