Define constipation and diarrhea. Note possible causes of each.

What will be an ideal response?


Watery stools are called diarrhea. Constipation is a condition in which too much water has been absorbed and the stool becomes hard and difficult to pass. Any condition (such as irritation of the colon by bacteria) that rushes food residue through the large intestine before that organ has had sufficient time to absorb the remaining water is known as diarrhea. Constipation may ensue from the lack of fiber in the diet, improper bowel habits, laxative abuse, or anything that decreases motility.

Anatomy & Physiology

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A vertebra is considered an irregular bone

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Anatomy & Physiology

Which of the following is NOT an effect of aging on the immune system?

a) Increased susceptibility to infections b) Increased susceptibility to malignancies c) Decreased response to vaccines d) Increased response of T cells to antigens e) Decreased production of antibodies

Anatomy & Physiology

The action of the fibularis (or peroneus) longus is to

a. supinate and dorsiflex the foot b. pronate the foot and laterally rotate the ankle c. everts and plantar flex the foot

Anatomy & Physiology

The __________ tonsils are the largest, and their surgical removal (tonsillectomy) used to be one of the most common surgical procedures performed in children.

A. adenoid B. lingual C. palatine D. pharyngeal E. nasopharyngeal

Anatomy & Physiology