Fecal

Fecal refers to matters related to feces, the solid or semisolid remains of the food that could not be digested in the small intestine. This includes bacteria, fiber, water, and various other substances. Fecal matter is often used in medical and scientific studies to understand the health and diet of an individual or population.

Overview

Fecal matter is expelled from the body through the rectum during a process called defecation. The color, consistency, and frequency of fecal matter can provide important clues about an individual's health. For example, black or tarry stools may indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, while bright red blood in the stool may indicate bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract.

Composition

Fecal matter is composed of approximately 75% water. The remaining 25% is a mixture of dead and living bacteria, protein, undigested food residue (known as fiber), waste material from food, cellular linings, fats, salts, and substances released from the intestines and liver to aid in digestion.

Medical Importance

Fecal matter is often used in medical tests to diagnose certain conditions. For example, a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) can detect tiny amounts of blood in the feces, which may indicate a problem in the digestive system, such as a polyp, hemorrhoid, or more serious conditions like colorectal cancer.

Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is a procedure in which fecal matter is collected from a tested donor, mixed with a saline or other solution, strained, and placed in a patient, usually by colonoscopy, endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or enema. This can help to restore the balance of bacteria in the gut and is used to treat conditions such as Clostridium difficile infection.

See Also

• Digestive system
• Gastrointestinal tract
• Fecal occult blood test
• Fecal microbiota transplant
• Clostridium difficile infection

Fecal Resources
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