defecates

Defecates is the verb describing the act of discharging feces from the digestive tract through the anus. The noun form is defecation, and the term defecate is used to describe the process in medical, scientific, or descriptive contexts. It is a normal, voluntary component of digestion and waste elimination.

In humans, feces are formed as digested material moves through the large intestine, where water is absorbed and bacteria contribute to stool characteristics. The rectum serves as a temporary storage site for formed stool. When the rectum becomes distended, a defecation reflex is triggered: the internal anal sphincter relaxes involuntarily, and the external anal sphincter and pelvic floor muscles are under voluntary control. People typically coordinate abdominal and diaphragmatic pressure increases to facilitate emission of stool through the anal canal.

Normal defecation varies widely among individuals and is influenced by diet, hydration, physical activity, and overall health. A diet rich in dietary fiber and adequate fluids generally promotes regular bowel movements, while certain medications, illnesses, or digestive disorders can alter frequency or stool consistency. Stool form is often described using the Bristol Stool Chart, ranging from hard lumps to smooth, soft articles.

Common clinical topics related to defecation include constipation, diarrhea, fecal incontinence, and disorders affecting bowel motility or rectal sensation. Management emphasizes dietary adjustments, fluid intake, physical activity, and, when necessary, medical evaluation and treatment.