fecal matter

Fecal matter, or stool, is the waste product that results from the digestion and absorption of food in the intestines. It consists of water, undigested food particles, bacteria, cells shed from the lining of the gut, and waste products from the liver. Its main role is to eliminate substances the body cannot use or needs to discard. Feces travel through the large intestine where water is absorbed, making it more solid before being expelled through the rectum during a bowel movement. Its composition and consistency can vary based on diet, health, and hydration.