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The term ‘purisha’ means fecal matter or stool. It denotes the waste product or undigested residue remaining after the nutrient fraction of the food has been separated and absorbed. The feces (purisha) are important for normal physiological functions of [[vayu]] and [[agni]]. (SAT-B.459).  Stool examination is an important test for assessment of status of digestion and overall health. This article deals with physiological, pathological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of stool.  

The term ‘purisha’ means fecal matter or stool. It denotes the waste product or undigested residue remaining after the nutrient fraction of the food has been separated and absorbed. The feces (purisha) are important for normal physiological functions of [[vayu]] and [[agni]]. (SAT-B.459).<ref>Available from  http://namstp.ayush.gov.in/#/sat</ref> Stool examination is an important test for assessment of status of digestion and overall health. This article deals with physiological, pathological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of stool.  

== Meaning and synonyms ==

== Meaning and synonyms ==

The Sanskrit word ‘purisha’ is derived from root “pru” by adding the suffix “ishan” that means crumbling or loose earth, excremental dirt, rubbish, the solid mass which fills up (the intestine) etc.  It is also known by synonyms like shakrut, varcha/varchaska, vishtha and vit in Sanskrit literature.  

The Sanskrit word ‘purisha’ is derived from root “pru” by adding the suffix “ishan” that means crumbling or loose earth, excremental dirt, rubbish, the solid mass which fills up (the intestine) etc.<ref>Jha Srujan. Amarkosha online application.</ref> It is also known by synonyms like shakrut, varcha/varchaska, vishtha and vit in Sanskrit literature.  

=== Fundamental composition and properties===

=== Fundamental composition and properties===

*fat- 2–15%  

*fat- 2–15%  

*Other constituents- calcium and iron phosphates, intestinal secretions, small amounts of dried epithelial cells, and mucus.  

*Other constituents- calcium and iron phosphates, intestinal secretions, small amounts of dried epithelial cells, and mucus.<ref>Rose C, Parker A, Jefferson B, Cartmell E. The Characterization of Feces and Urine: A Review of the Literature to Inform Advanced Treatment Technology. Crit Rev Environ Sci Technol. 2015;45(17):1827-Vale</ref>

===Formation===

===Formation===

When the food material from the stomach (amashaya) reaches the large intestine (pakwashaya), it is dried up by the heat of [[pitta]] and absorbing property (ruksha guna) of vata to form lumps. [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/11] Defecation is regulated by [[vata]] [[dosha]].The physiology of stool formation and defecation in described as follows.

When the food material from the stomach (amashaya) reaches the large intestine (pakwashaya), it is dried up by the heat of [[pitta]] and absorbing property (ruksha guna) of vata to form lumps. [Cha. Sa. [[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/11] Defecation is regulated by [[vata]] [[dosha]].The physiology of stool formation and defecation in described as follows.

Feces formation takes place in the large intestine.It carries out functions like absorbing water and electrolytes, forming and propelling feces toward the rectum for elimination. Most nutrients and up to 90% of the water are absorbed by the small intestine from the indigestible material.The ascending colon absorbs remaining water and other key nutrients from it to form solidified stool.The feces are stored in descending colon and are emptied into the rectum.The sigmoid colon contracts to increase the pressure inside the colon, causing the stool to move into the rectum. The rectum holds the feces awaiting elimination by defecation.

Feces formation takes place in the large intestine.It carries out functions like absorbing water and electrolytes, forming and propelling feces toward the rectum for elimination. Most nutrients and up to 90% of the water are absorbed by the small intestine from the indigestible material.The ascending colon absorbs remaining water and other key nutrients from it to form solidified stool.The feces are stored in descending colon and are emptied into the rectum.The sigmoid colon contracts to increase the pressure inside the colon, causing the stool to move into the rectum. The rectum holds the feces awaiting elimination by defecation.<ref>Azzouz LL, Sharma S. Physiology, Large Intestine. [Updated 2020 Jul 27]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507857/</ref>

    

    

===Quantity===

===Quantity===

The total quantity of purisha is seven anjali (personified measurement unit).[Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 7/15]

The total quantity of purisha is seven anjali (personified measurement unit).[Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 7/15]

On average humans eliminate 128 g of fresh feces per person per day.

On average humans eliminate 128 g of fresh feces per person per day.<ref>Available from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_feces cited on 24/12/2020</ref>

===Functions===

===Functions===

The Bristol stool scale is a diagnostic medical tool designed to classify the form of human feces . It is used in both clinical as well as experimental fields.

The Bristol stool scale is a diagnostic medical tool designed to classify the form of human feces . It is used in both clinical as well as experimental fields.

'''The seven categories in Bristol Stool Scale.'''  

'''The seven categories in Bristol Stool Scale.''' <ref>Lacy BE, Patel NK. Rome Criteria and a Diagnostic Approach to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. J Clin Med. 2017;6(11):99. Published 2017 Oct 26. doi:10.3390/jcm6110099</ref>

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