Organism Function
defecation

def·e·ca·tion [ def-i-keyt-shun ]
Subclass of:
Digestive System Physiological Phenomena
Etymology:
Latin defaecere = to remove the dregs; from de = away + faex = dregs
Also called:
BM; Feces; Poop; Stool
Definitions related to defecation:
-
Movement of feces (undigested food, bacteria, mucus, and cells from the lining of the intestines) through the bowel and out the anus.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
-
The evacuation of fecal matter from the rectum.ACC/AHA Clinical Data TerminologyAmerican College of Cardiology and American Heart Association , 2020
-
The expulsion of feces from the rectum.Gene Ontology DictionaryGene Ontology Consortium, 2021
-
The normal process of elimination of fecal material from the RECTUM.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
-
The way the intestines work in terms of how often there are bowel movements, the ability to control when to have a bowel movement, and whether the stools are hard and dry as in constipation or watery as in diarrhea.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
-
(bowel movement) A bowel movement is the last stop in the movement of food through your digestive tract. Your stool passes out of your body through the rectum and anus. Another name for stool is feces. It is made of what is left after your digestive system (stomach, small intestine, and colon) absorbs nutrients and fluids from what you eat and drink. Sometimes a bowel movement isn't normal. Diarrhea happens when stool passes through the large intestine too quickly. Constipation occurs when stool passes through the large intestine too slowly. Bowel incontinence is a problem controlling your bowel movements. Other abnormalities with bowel movements may be a sign of a digestive problem. NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesMedlinePlusU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
-
(bowel function) Transporting food through the gastrointestinal tract to eliminate wastes.The Omaha SystemOmaha Systems, 2005
-
Defecation, the act of eliminating solid or semisolid waste materials (feces) from the digestive tract. In human beings, wastes are usually removed once or twice daily, but the frequency can vary from several times daily to three times weekly and remain within normal limits. Muscular contractions...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
Return to OpenMD Medical Dictionary
> D
This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.