Rectum - Our Very Own Waste Dispenser
Have you ever been taught the importance of passing your poop out every single day for good gut health? Maybe yes, because the very first etiquette being taught to children is potty sitting and cleansing their body out by means of removal of their stools or poop.
Poops or stools are the waste materials that are left unabsorbed by our body after complete digestion of the food we ate. Poop, in scientific terms, is called faeces which is a word of Latin origin meaning dregs of the most wasteful or unuseful part. Poop contains around 75% water, according to a 2015 analysis.
Even though the intervals between bowel movements can differ from person to person, regular bowel movements are crucial for a healthy digestive tract. When the desire strikes, people ought to try to poop. They shouldn't put off or overly force a bowel movement because doing so can cause issues.
Poop Profile
Where is Poop Stored?
Poops or undigested food is usually stored in the last segment of the digestive tract, which is the large intestine called the rectum which is then passed out through the anus guarded by muscular walls.
Poop or the waste left at last after digestion is passed through the colon by means of peristalsis (the muscular movement of the alimentary canal), firstly in a liquid state and then is solidified till it reaches the rectum.
As the poop passes through the colon, water is removed from it which means that the poop gets concentrated while it travels down our digestive tract. This Poop or the stools are stored in the colon until a "mass movement" empties it into the rectum and is removed through the anus once or twice a day. It generally takes about 34-36 hours for the poop to get through the colon. The poop mostly consists of food debris and some bacteria which are present in the duct and help in digestion.
These bacteria are called “good” bacteria and perform various useful functions inside the body, such as synthesis of various vitamins, processing of waste products and food particles, and also providing protection against harmful disease-causing bacteria.
Location of the Rectum in the Large Intestine
The anal opening is guarded by sphincter muscles that are important for control. The internal sphincter is mostly closed till the time poop enters the rectum. This prevents us from pooping involuntarily or without any control. Whereas the external sphincter allows us to control our faeces till we reach the bathroom.
In addition to this mechanism, passing of stools is controlled by the nervous system too. The nerves attached to the walls of the rectum send impulses to the brain, and then the brain causes contraction, due to which poop is finally passed out on the other hand when the pressure on the walls of the rectum is removed it sends a positive feedback to the brain and the nervous system and the sphincters relax.
This was about how and where the poop is stored and travels before it gets flushed out. Now let's take a look at the various kinds of poops one may face during their lifetime and what they specify.
Every Poop is Different (Poop Profile)
A normal poop should be of a firm yet soft consistency, brown in colour and a couple of inches in length. Poops may vary in colour (brown, green, yellow, red) or can also be different in consistency. Any variation from normal can be an indicator of any disease or digestive problems. The various kinds of poops are as follows.
Anyone who observes a significant change in their faeces or in the frequency of their bowel movements, however, that has no apparent reason or does not go away in a short period of time should see a doctor. Such alterations may occasionally be a sign of a health problem.
Let's look at the various kinds of poop profiles and learn what they are usually indicative of:
1. Pellets
This type of poop is hard and separates little pellets that look like nuts or little stones and are hard and painful to pass. These little pellets are a typical indicator of constipation.
Pellets
2. Caterpillar
It is Log-shaped or rod-shaped with lumps which is again an indicator of constipation that shouldn’t happen very frequently. Drinking wter and taking fibrous diet can help in correcting the problem.
Caterpillar Poop
3. Hot Dog
It is the usual and most standardised form of poop which is Log-shaped along with some cracks on its surface which is normal to pass out.
Standard Poop
4. Amoebas (Amoeba Like)
These are small like pellets, kind of watery and easily removable, irregularly shaped poop. It indicates that one lacks fibre in their diet.
Amoeba Poop
5. Watery
It is completely watery with no solid lumps. It is an indicator of diarrhoea which further is an indicator of digestive disorder.
Watery Diarrhoea
Summary
Pooping is a vital biological process that clears the digestive tract of waste and creates room.Poop is a wasteful product in the body that, if retained for longer than usual, can be harmful to our bodies. It is very essential to be removed after a healthy gut has absorbed every nutrient from it. Analysis of one's poop is also essential to prevent ourselves from various problems.
For a variety of reasons, pooping may feel nice. For instance, the movement of the bowels requires the contraction and relaxation of specific muscles as well as the stimulation of specific neurons. When stimulated, some of these nerves produce delightful sensations. This was all about where poop is stored and all the related information summed up at one place. Now to check your knowledge lets look at some related frequently asked questions.
FAQs on Where is Poop Stored?
1. What are the various conditions that affect the digestive system?
There are various possible conditions while pooping that can be an indicator of an unhealthy digestive system
Constipation- is hardened poop and is not easily passed out, causing irregular bowel movement, which is retained for long and can cause other problems like piles and haemorrhoids.
Diarrhoea - it is the condition in which liquidated poops are passed out and are frequent, can lead to water loss and fatigue and can also cause nausea and vomiting.
Jaundice - it is a condition in which poop passed out contains a high concentration of bile pigments leading to a yellowish appearance which is also an indicator of liver problems.
2. How can we keep our gut healthy?
Generally, there are few ways to keep your gut healthy as ever
Drinkings loads of water prevents the body from dehydration
Adding fibres to your diet is another way of keeping the gut healthy as it helps in regular bowel movements and digestion
Having a balanced diet and intake of probiotics that include gut-friendly bacteria can also help in digestion, immunisation and healthy skin too.
Chewing your bites properly can also help in easy digestion, which will not be harsh on your gut and will keep it healthy.
3. How many times do you poop a day?
It's normal and healthy to have a bowel movement anywhere between three times a week to three times a day. If you're producing soft, well-formed logs that aren't hard to push out, your bowels are probably in good shape.
