How are feces eliminated from the body?

Feces are eliminated from the body via the anal sphincter muscle, which plays a crucial role in the excretory process. Once the digestive system has broken down food, waste products are formed and travel through the intestines. The large intestine, specifically, is responsible for absorbing water and consolidating the waste into feces. When the body is ready to expel this waste, the rectum fills, triggering the urge to defecate. The anal sphincter, which consists of both voluntary and involuntary muscle, controls the release of feces during this process. This muscle allows for the conscious control of when to eliminate, thus facilitating proper bowel movements.

The other options offered describe processes that do not accurately represent how feces are eliminated. For instance, the mouth is involved in the intake and initial digestion of food but not in the expulsion of feces, while the small intestine is primarily responsible for nutrient absorption rather than waste elimination. Absorption in the large intestine refers to water intake from waste, but it does not pertain to the actual process of elimination. Overall, the correct option accurately encapsulates the physiological mechanism of fecal excretion.