Feces: Difference between revisions
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another word for shit |
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[[Image:rabbitpoop.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Rabbit feces are usually 0.5 inches in diameter and dry to the touch.]] |
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'''Feces''' ([[American English]]) or '''faeces'''/'''fæces''' ([[Commonwealth English]]) are semi-solid waste products from an [[animal]] [[gastrointestinal tract|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. Prolonged interruption in the usual routine 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]], which are rich in [[sulfur]], 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 faeces of animals is often used as [[fertilizer]]: see [[manure]]. |
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==Related terminology== |
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[[Image:bird_shit_car.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Pigeon feces can be a public nuisance in urban communities.]] |
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Feces are also known as '''scat''' and [[scatology]] is the study of feces. '''Excrement''' is also another word for feces. The word ''[[shit]]'' is a vulgar term for feces in [[English language|English]]. |
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[[Coprophagia]] is the practice of eating feces. This is unusual, but some [[herbivore|herbivores]] with a high-fiber/low-protein diet (such as [[rabbit|rabbits]]) eat their own feces as a normal part of [[metabolism]]. Plant matter the animal consumes is digested in two passes, with the product of the first pass being re-ingested directly from the anus. After the material is re-digested, the indigestible waste that remains is excreted and left alone. |
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[[Coprophilia]], also known as ''[[fecophilia]]'', is a [[sexual]] attraction to feces. |
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[[Coprophobia]], also known as ''[[fecophobia]]'', is a strong fear of feces. |
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Fossilized feces are known as [[coprolite]]s, and form an important class of objects studied in the field of [[paleontology]]. |
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== Fecal contamination == |
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A quick test for fecal contamination of water sources or soil is a check for the presence of [[E. coli]] [[bacteria]] performed with the help of [[McConkey agar]] plates or [[Petri dish]]es. It turns out that E.coli bacteria (and almost no other ones) develop red colonies at temperature about 110 F overnight. |
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While nearly all strains of E.coli are harmless, their presence is indicative of fecal contamination, and hence a high possibility of other, more dangerous bacteria, e.g., those of [[hepatitis]]. |
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==Human feces== |
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''Main article: [[Human feces]].'' |
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[[Human]] feces vary significantly in appearance, depending on [[diet]] and [[health]]. Normally they are semisolid, with [[mucus]] coating. [[Bile]] gives it the brown appearance, although the color can vary greatly. |
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==See also== |
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* [[Intestinal parasite]] |
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* [[A1 broth]] |
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* [[Manure]] |
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* [[Scatology]] |
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* [[poop]] |
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* [[shit]] |
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* [[crap]] |
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== External links and references == |
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* [http://www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/medicine/units/biochem/coursenotes/blanchaer_tutorials/Frank_II/urobilinogen.html Urobilinogen] |
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* [http://www.mcevoy.demon.co.uk/Medicine/Pathology/Biochem/Liver/Biochem.html Liver biochemistry] |
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* [http://www.oceanlight.com Images of whale feces] |
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* ''History of Shit'' by Dominique Laporte (ISBN 0262621606) |
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[[Category:animal physiology]] |
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[[da:Afføring]] |
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[[de:Kot]] |
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[[es:Heces]] |
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[[fr:Matière fécale]] |
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[[he:צואה]] |
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[[nl:Ontlasting]] |
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[[ja:糞]] |
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[[pl:Kał]] |
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[[pt:Fezes]] |
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[[ru:Кал]] |
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[[fi:Uloste]] |
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[[sv:Avföring]] |
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Revision as of 18:49, 30 August 2005
another word for shit