Faecal matter

Faecal Matter or Fecal Matter (in American English) is a term used to describe the waste product from an animal's digestive tract expelled through the rectum. The process of expelling faecal matter is known as defecation.

Composition

Faecal matter is primarily composed of water. The remaining solid portion is 75% bacteria and 25% undigested food matter, including dietary fiber, protein, fat, and dead cells from the lining of the gut. It also contains small amounts of metabolic waste products such as bilirubin, which is a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown, and urobilinogen, a byproduct of bilirubin metabolism.

Color and Odor

The color of faecal matter is usually brown due to the presence of bilirubin, which is metabolized in the intestines to a variety of stercobilinogens, which are then reduced to stercobilins. The odor of faecal matter is caused by the chemicals indole, skatole, hydrogen sulfide, and mercaptans, which are produced by bacterial action.

Health Indicators

The characteristics of faecal matter can indicate the health status of an individual. For example, the Bristol Stool Scale is a medical aid designed to classify the form of human faeces into seven categories. Changes in color, consistency, or frequency of defecation can be a sign of various medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal diseases or malabsorption disorders.

Environmental Impact

Faecal matter can have a significant environmental impact. It is a major source of water pollution and can cause serious health problems if it contaminates drinking water sources. Proper sanitation and waste management practices are crucial to prevent the spread of diseases and protect the environment.

See Also

• Defecation
• Bristol Stool Scale
• Gastrointestinal diseases
• Sanitation

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