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Defecation
Defecation The passage of bowel contents through the rectum and anus.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Bowel
Another word for the small and large intestines.
Rectum
An 8-inch chamber connected to the large intestine that receives solid waste (feces) from the descending colon to be expelled from the body. The rectum connects the colon to the anus. It is the rectum's job to receive stool from the colon, to let the person know that there is stool to be evacuated, and to hold the stool until evacuation happens.
Anus
The opening at the end of the rectum of the alimentary canal through which feces are discharged. The anus has erotosexual potential in both sexes.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Defecation syncope
The temporary loss of consciousness (syncope) upon defecating (having a bowel movement). Syncope is the temporary loss of consciousness or, in plain English, fainting. The situations that trigger this reaction are diverse and include having blood drawn, straining while urinating (micturition syncope) or defecating, coughing or swallowing. The reaction also can be due to the emotional stress of fear or pain.
Defect, atrial septal (ASD)
A hole in the septum, the wall, between the atria, the upper chambers of the heart. Commonly called an ASD. ASDs are a major class of congenital cardiac malformation.
Defect, enzyme
An abnormality in the protein (enzyme) important in catalyzing a normal biochemical reaction in the body. Disorders result from a deficiency (or functional abnormality) of an enzyme.
Defect, neural tube
A major birth defect caused by abnormal development of the neural tube, the structure present during embryonic life which gives rise to the central nervous system - the brain and spinal cord. Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most common birth defects that cause infant mortality (death) and serious disability.
Defect, ventricular septal (VSD)
A hole in the septum (the wall) between the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles).
Defeminization
The developmental process in which feminization is inhibited or suppressed. In females the term applies chiefly to defeminization of the brain attributed to a hormonal anomaly in prenatal life.
Defense mechanism
Automatic psychological process that protects the individual against anxiety and from awareness of internal or external stressors or dangers. Defense mechanisms mediate the individual's reaction to emotional conflicts and to external stressors. Some defense mechanisms (e.g., projection, splitting, and acting out) are almost invariably maladaptive. Others, such as suppression and denial, may be either maladaptive or adaptive, depending on their severity, their inflexibility, and the context in which they occur.
Defensin
A family of potent antibiotics made within the body by neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) and macrophages (cells that can engulf foreign particles). The defensins play important roles against invading microbes. They act against bacteria, fungi and viruses by binding to their membranes and increasing membrane permeability. On a chemical level, the defensins are small peptides unusually rich in the amino acid cysteine (Cys).The human defensins are classified into the alpha-defensins and beta-defensins on the basis of their sequence homology and their Cys residues.
Defensive medicine
Medical practices designed to avert the future possibility of malpractice suits. In defensive medicine, responses are undertaken primarily to avoid liability rather than to benefit the patient. Doctors may order tests, procedures, or visits, or avoid high-risk patients or procedures primarily (but not necessarily solely) to reduce their exposure to malpractice liability. Defensive medicine is one of the least desirable effects of the rise in medical litigation. Defensive medicine increases the cost of health care and may expose patients to unnecessary risks.
Deferoxamine mesylate
Deferoxamine mesylate is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): deferoxamine mesylate .
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Drag queen
Vernacular term for a gynemimetic.
Diet plan
A plan of the meals a person will have in order to follow a specific diet.
Diet product
A product specifically conceived to help a diet by replacing ordinary products or as an additional product.
Diabetic diet
A specific diet for people suffering from diabetes.
Dilation and Curettage (D and C)
Surgical procedure in which the cervix is dilated (widened) and the endometrium (lining of the uterus) is scraped away.
Defecation
Defibrillator
An electronic device used to establish normal heartbeat.
Dehydration
Loss of fluids from the body, often caused by diarrhea. May result in loss of important salts and minerals.
Delayed gastric emptying
Gastroparesis.
Dermatology
The branch of medicine that is concerned with the physiology and pathology of the skin.
Descending colon
The part of the colon where stool is stored. Located on the left side of the abdomen.
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