Feces


 
 

Feces (American English) or faeces/fæces (Commonwealth English) are semi-solid waste products from an animal digestive tract expelled through the anus (or cloaca) during defecation. In humans, defecation may occur (depending on the individual and the circumstances) from once every two or three days to many times a day. Hardening of the feces may cause prolonged interruption in the usual routine and is called constipation.

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The word faeces is the plural of the Latin word faex meaning "dregs". There is no singular form in English language. http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3400

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The distinctive odor of feces is due to bacterial action. Bacteria produce compounds such as indole, skatole, and mercaptans (sulfur containing compounds), as well as the inorganic gas hydrogen sulfide. These are the same compounds that are responsible for the odor of flatus.

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Feces can help scientists learn about animals because of the food an animal eats.

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Feces are generally a taboo subject (see toilet humour). Scientists have long noted that many species hide or bury their feces, because the odor can attract predators, and these species often exhibit anxious behavior when their feces cannot be concealed. In humans, this phenomenon manifests itself in a stigma on feces.

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The feces of animals is often used as fertilizer: see manure.

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American English: American English (AmE) is the form of the English language used mostly in the United States of America. It is the primary language used in the United States. As of 2005, more than two-thirds of native speakers of English use various forms of American English. American English is also sometimes calle...

Commonwealth English: "Commonwealth English" is intended as a collective term for the perceived standard English language used in the Commonwealth of Nations1, applying in theory to Australian English, British English, Caribbean English, Canadian English, Hiberno-English (Irish English)2, Hong Kong English3, Indian Engli...

Animal: :For the Muppet Show character, see Animal (Muppet). For the professional wrestler, see Joseph Laurinaitis....

~ Table of Content ~

Introduction
Related terminology
Fecal contamination
Human feces
See also
External links and references
 
FR: Matière fécale


 

~ Related Subjects ~

English language (2) - American English (2) - Caribbean English (1) - British English (1) - Hiberno-English (1) - Canadian English (1) - Australian English (1) - As of 2005 (1) - Language used in the United States (1) - 1 (1) - Commonwealth of Nations (1) - Muppet Show (1) - International English (1) - Animal (Muppet) (1) - Joseph Laurinaitis (1) -
 

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