| Term | Description |
| Anal Sphincter | Circular muscles that, when relaxed, allow waste materials to pass through the anal opening and, when contracted, close the opening. |
| Anus | The opening at the end of the bowel through which bowel movements pass |
| Appliance | A collection device worn by people with ostomies; usually a specially made pouch or bag attached to the body to collect stool, also called a "pouch." |
| Bowel | The small or large intestine. |
| Bowel Prep | The process of preparing the bowel for surgery. May include enemas, drinking a special saline solution, liquid diet and antibiotics. |
| Colon | The large intestine, which stores digestible material and absorbs water |
| Dehydration | Excessive loss of fluid from the body |
| Electrolytes | Chemicals in body fluids and cells that are necessary to maintain some body functions |