This document defines and describes various aspects of bowel elimination. It discusses the process of elimination, defining it as the removal of waste from the body through defecation. It describes the composition of stool and normal characteristics. Factors that affect and promote bowel elimination are outlined. Common problems with elimination like constipation, fecal impaction, diarrhea, fecal incontinence, and flatulence are defined. Causes and symptoms of these problems are summarized.