What Is Egestion? Definition, Characteristics And Phases
Egestion is a physiological process in which undigested materials are expelled in the form of feces.
In unicellular organisms, such as bacteria, it basically consists of the expulsion of unusable materials to the outside of the cell. On the other hand, in the case of multicellular organisms, such as humans, food undergoes a longer process.
Many people confuse excretion with egestion and, although both are related to digestion, they are two different physiological processes.
Human digestion: definition and phases of this physiological process
Before going into more detail with the concept of emanagement, It is necessary to understand how human digestion occurs and the processes that occur to food before it is eliminated in the form of feces
When we eat, food enters the digestive system. The main function of this device is to process food to obtain the greatest amount of nutrients possible and eliminate what is not usable or has remained as waste.
A whole set of organs is involved in the digestion process: mouth, salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small and large intestines, appendix, rectum and anus.
The first place where food passes is the mouth. There it is chewed and mixed with saliva, starting digestion and beginning its decomposition. In this phase of digestion the food is called bolus.
The bolus goes to the stomach through the esophagus and subsequently reaches the small intestine, where further digestion takes place. Once the food has been digested, the molecules that were present in it can be absorbed more easily.
These nutrients are introduced into the bloodstream, through which they will travel to all parts of the body where they are needed.
Not everything is absorbed in the small intestine. Only the smallest and most soluble substances can be absorbed through the walls of this organ. Those that do not, that are larger and insoluble, if their size has not been reduced through the action of enzymes, cannot be used This is the phase before egestion occurs.
What is egestion?
The part of the food that has not been absorbed in the small intestine passes into the large intestine. There, excess water is absorbed and through the action of bacteria, what remains of the food is degraded
The result of this is feces, composed mostly of water and bacteria, as well as substances that the human body cannot digest, such as cellulose and fiber. In addition to what could not be used, feces have substances that could be harmful to the body and that need to be eliminated.
Bacteria in the digestive system play a very important role for humans, since they digest substances, such as certain types of carbohydrates, and synthesize proteins, such as B and K. They also fight other bacteria that could be harmful to the human body. , which cause diseases and digestive problems.
Properly said, The egestion process occurs when what has not been able to be used by the body is stored in the rectum It is there that, when the signal is given, the waste is evacuated through the anus.
The output of feces is controlled by the anal sphincter, which is made up of two parts: internal sphincter and external sphincter. If there is debris in the rectum, the anal sphincter stretches and allows stool to come out.
To this day, both in general culture and in some school books, these two terms continue to be confused. Although both are two phases present in digestion, they have certain nuances that differentiate them.
Egestion is the elimination of what came with the food and that could not be used, such as indigestible substances and harmful elements for the human body. Basically it is the part of the food that has not been introduced into the bloodstream and used by the body, and is eliminated in the form of feces.
Instead, Excretion is a process in which what is eliminated are substances that have been used to maintain vital functions Cells need energy to carry out their functions, and to do so they need nutrients. These nutrients come in the form of organic molecules, which are broken down inside the cell and produce energy. The waste from this process leaves the cell and is eliminated through urine.
Associated problems
Whether due to illness or poor diet, there may be problems when eliminating feces
These problems may not be serious and will be resolved over time, however, if they persist, it is necessary to go to a professional to ensure that it is not the consequence of a larger problem.
1. Diarrhea
Diarrhea occurs when watery, soft stools are passed, because their passage through the small intestine has been brief.
It can be caused by contamination in food and water, viruses, parasites, consumption and abuse of medications, food intolerance and sensitivity, stomach surgeries, diseases in the stomach and problems in the functioning of the colon.
It is the inability to control when to defecate It may be the result of a loss of sphincter or bowel control, for which it is necessary to go to a professional to help you learn how to control them again.
3. Constipation
It is difficult to eliminate stool, which can be dry and very hard Although being constipated does not mean not being able to have a bowel movement every day, doing so less than 3 times a week is considered constipation.
4. Encopresis
Encopresis is the involuntary elimination of feces in inopportune places and times. This elimination disorder usually occurs in children aged 4 years and can have multiple causes. It generally occurs when retained feces accumulate in the rectum and colon, causing bloating in the belly, loss of control of bowel movements and even loss of appetite.
The child cannot control the passage of stool, which can be either liquid or solid, or large enough to clog the toilet.
If the child has not previously learned to control his sphincters, it is called primary encopresis. On the other hand, if he managed to control them before suffering encopresis, we speak of secondary encopresis. There may be emotional factors behind the child’s encopresis, such as poor family dynamics.
