The rhythmic process of defecation that consists of an intestinal oscillator which regulates calcium waves. These waves in turn control a stereotypical, three-part pattern of muscle contractions. In some organisms, defecation can recur with a regularity more frequent than every 24 hours. For example, in a well-fed Caenorhabditis elegans, the defecation motor program occurs approximately every 45 seconds, and is temperature- and touch-compensated.
defecation cycle