Cecum is a pouch at beginning of large intestine located on right side. Receives chyme from ileum and connects to ascending colon. Separated from ileum by ileocecal valve and colon by cecocolic junction
Defecation eliminates waste from digestive tract via anus or cloaca. Peristalsis moves fecal matter through colon to rectum. External anal sphincter is voluntary, internal is involuntary. Frequency varies from few times daily to weekly
Digestive system consists of gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs. Gastrointestinal tract extends from mouth to anus, about 9 meters long. Accessory organs include liver, gallbladder, pancreas, tongue, and teeth
Deep breathing helps mobilize stomach contents and move air. Taking a bathroom before important events can reduce gut activity. Eating something can help reduce intestinal tract squeezing
People typically pass gas 8-14 times daily, up to 25 times is normal. Gas is released through the anus after it builds up in the GI tract
Total digestion time ranges from 10 to 73 hours. Average digestion time for men is 1.3 days. Average digestion time for women is 1.5 days. Food takes 2-5 hours to empty stomach. Food passes through small intestine in 2-6 hours