What is feces?

Feces is defined as the semisolid mass of waste products that is formed in the colon and ultimately expelled through the anus. This process begins in the digestive tract, where food is broken down and nutrients are absorbed. The remaining indigestible material, along with bacteria and other waste products, is compacted into a semi-solid form as it moves through the intestines.

The structure of feces is primarily composed of water, fiber, bacteria, and undigested food components, therefore accurately reflecting the waste products accumulated in the large intestine before elimination. The distinction of feces as semisolid is crucial, as it indicates not just the state of the waste but also its origin within the digestive system, particularly highlighting the role of the colon in water reabsorption and fecal formation.

Other definitions do not encapsulate the precise nature and formation process of feces. A liquid waste product of the kidneys pertains to urine, while solid waste formed in the stomach does not accurately represent feces, which is not produced there but rather in the intestines. Undigested food particles may contribute to feces but do not describe the entire composition or state of this bodily waste.