Learning outcomes

At the and of the lesson, you should be able to:

3. Identify the part of the digestive system where the

formation of faeces takes place.

5. Describe the formation of faeces and problems related

to defaecation.

7. Explain the role of microorganisms in the colon and the

effect of antibiotics on them.

9. Explain defaecation and the importance of high fibre

diets.
Faeces
After absorption of nutrients has taken place
in the small intestine. The intestinal contents
enter the colon.

The intestinal contents are now a mixture of

water, undigested food substances and
indigestible fibre, most of which is cellulose
from plant cell walls.

Their movements are very slow and helped by

peristalsis.
Cont…
Recovery of water from the undigested
remains in the colon results in the formation
of faeces, which are now semi-solid waste.

Faeces also contain dead cells shed from the

intestinal lining as well as waste products like
bile pigments and toxic substances which
have to be eliminated from the body.
Figure of large intestine
(colon)
Microorganisms vs
antibiotics
The colon also serves as a habitat for a
flourishing population of bacteria.

The presence of beneficial microorganisms

plays an important role in maintaining a
stable environment in the alimentary canal.

What happens if a person is sick and goes to

see a doctor?
Cont…
In most cases, the doctor will prescribe
antibiotics to treat various infections.

However, overuse of antibiotics can reduce

the microbial population.

Bio facts…
Bio Facts
E. coli is one of the most common intestinal
bacteria.

They synthesise several types of vitamins B

and K.

It provides a valuable supplement to our

dietary intake, especially vitamin K, which is
deficient in a normal diet.
Defaecation
The wall of the colon secretes mucus which binds
the faeces and lubricates the movement of faeces
along the colon.

After 12 to 24 hours in the colon, the faeces pass

to rectum.

Pressure in the rectum increase, causing a desire

to expel the faeces from the body.

This is called defaecation.

This process is controlled by muscles around the

anus.
Figure of large intestine
(colon)
What is the relationship
between these two figure?

Lots of fruits and vegetable

Constipation
Problems related to
defaecation
What will happen if defaecation is not regular?

Have you experienced constipation before?

This condition is caused by the faeces moving too

slowly through the colon.

As a result, a greater amount of water is

reabsorbed in the colon, making the faeces hard!

This will cause painful defaecation.

What should I do?
Constipation can be avoided by drinking a lot
of water.

The daily diet should contain sufficient

amounts of fibre.

The presence of fibre helps move food along

the intestinal tract.

Chronic constipation is associated with

haemorrhoids and in some cases can lead to
colon cancer.
Bacteria used in industry