Elimination of fecal waste through the anus is called what?

Enhance your knowledge of the digestive system with our quiz. Answer multiple choice questions with detailed explanations. Prepare effectively for your anatomy and physiology exam!

Multiple Choice

Elimination of fecal waste through the anus is called what?

Explanation:
Defecation is the elimination of fecal waste through the anus. After digestion and water absorption in the intestines, the remaining material becomes stool that moves into the rectum. When the rectum fills, stretch receptors trigger a reflex that relaxes the anal sphincters and enables abdominal contractions to push the stool out through the anus. The other terms aren’t specific to removing feces: elimination is a general term for getting rid of waste (not limited to feces), absorption is the uptake of nutrients from the gut, and ingestion is the act of taking in food.

Defecation is the elimination of fecal waste through the anus. After digestion and water absorption in the intestines, the remaining material becomes stool that moves into the rectum. When the rectum fills, stretch receptors trigger a reflex that relaxes the anal sphincters and enables abdominal contractions to push the stool out through the anus.

The other terms aren’t specific to removing feces: elimination is a general term for getting rid of waste (not limited to feces), absorption is the uptake of nutrients from the gut, and ingestion is the act of taking in food.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy