The waste products of digestion are excreted through the bowel. They pass from the ileum through the ileo-caecal valve into the caecum. In the large intestine absorption of water occurs until the semi-solid consistency of faeces is achieved. Mass movement forces the contents of the pelvic colon into the rectum where the nerve endings in its wall are stimulated by stretching.
When the stretch receptors in the rectum are stimulated beyond a certain point nerve impulses are conveyed to the consciousness, telling us that our bowel needs emptying, though the brain can normally help us inhibit the reflex until such a time that it is convenient to defecate.
The frequency of need to empty the bowel can vary markedly between individuals; some people may normally expect a movement daily whilst others might only pass a motion once every two to three days.
Whilst the urinary system and bowel function independently of one another both need to function efficiently in order to excrete body waste effectively. Excretion of waste products is essential to maintaining health and well-being.
Inadequate bladder and bowel function can ultimately affect homeostasis (that is, the body’s delicate fluid, electrolyte and acid– base balance) and lead to serious illness and even death.
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