Which term describes gas or air expelled from the digestive tract?

The term that describes gas or air expelled from the digestive tract is "flatus." This term specifically refers to the gas accumulated in the digestive system, which is then released through the rectum. Flatus can be composed of various gases, including nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and sometimes methane, which are produced during the digestive process.

While "flatulence" also relates to the release of gas from the digestive tract, it refers more broadly to the condition or symptom of having excessive gas. In this context, "flatus" is the more precise term for the gas itself, making it the correct answer.

Understanding these distinctions is essential in gastrointestinal terminology, particularly for those studying anatomy and physiology in healthcare settings. The other terms listed do not accurately describe gas expelled from the digestive tract; "feces" refers to solid waste matter, while "fainting" pertains to a temporary loss of consciousness, neither of which relate to the emission of intestinal gas.