faeces

the end waste products of DIGESTION , which are formed in the COLON and discharged via the ANUS . They consist of undigested food, BACTERIA , MUCUS and other secretions, water and bile pigments, which are responsible for the colour. The condition and colour of the faeces are indicators of general health; e.g. pale stools are produced in JAUNDICE and COELIAC DISEASE and black stools often indicate the presence of bleeding in the digestive tract.