Bowel Movement

Pronunciation

Definition

Movement of feces (undigested food, bacteria, mucus, and cells from the lining of the intestines) through the bowel and out the anus. Also called defecation. (NCI Dictionary)

More information

A bowel movement is the last stop in the movement of food through your digestive tract. 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. It's also called stool or feces. Stool passes out of the body through the rectum and anus.

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 Diseases)

Also called: Poop, BM, feces, poop, stool

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