Stool that has passed through the large intestine is stored in the rectal ampulla, a dilated portion of the rectum inferior to the sigmoid colon and superior to the anal canal. From there it can be passed into the anal canal and excreted via the anus. The haustra coli are segments or pouches formed along the length of the small intestine, demarcated by the smooth muscle of the taenia coli.  

The kidneys serve a wide variety of functions.They eliminate waste, including nitrogenous wastes such as urea and ammonium. They regulate systemic pH via resorption of bicarbonate from urine and excretion of hydrogen ions, and regulate blood pressure via the renin-angiotensin system (also known as the RAAS). In addition, the interstitial cells of the kidney are responsible for production of erythropoietin, the hormone that stimulates production of red blood cells.

The internal anal sphincter is a ring of involuntary smooth muscle that spends the majority of its time in a state of perpetual contraction. It relaxes only when the rectal ampulla is distended. Passage of stool is then controlled by the voluntary constriction of the external anal sphincter.

In polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), luteinizing hormone (LH) levels are elevated, while follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels are often low. Because FSH aromatizes androgens to estrogen, low FSH will cause androgens to increase. Low levels of FSH and high androgens keep the follicle from maturing & prevent ovulation. Hypogonadism is significantly more rare, and while extreme stress and poor nutrition may inhibit ovulation, in the United States PCOS is the leading cause of anovulation (failure to release an ovule from the ovary). 

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an endogenous steroid hormone that is a precursor for both estrogen and testosterone, is synthesized from pregnenolone in the gonads, the adrenal glands, and the brain.

The most abundant circulating steroid hormone in the human body is Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA is a precursor to several important sex hormones including testosterone and estrogen. It also functions as a neuroactive steroid.

The hormone that is secreted by the corpus luteum in order to prepare the endometrium for implantation of a fertilized ovum is progesterone. Progesterone prevents the constriction of blood vessels to the endometrium, which in turn prevents the shedding of the endometrial lining (menses). It also alters the endometrium, converting it to it's secretory phase in preparation for implantation.

Normal FSH values for a menstruating adult female are . A FSH of  would be considered normal in a premenarchal female, while normal FSH after menopause can range from .

In a menstruating woman, follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates the maturation of follicles in the ovary. Rupture of the mature follicle and formation of the corpus luteum are both stimulated by lutenizing hormone (LH). The uterus itself does not contain follicles.

In an adult male, normal FSH can range from . It may be slightly lower in children. Follicle-stimulating hormone is released from the anterior pituitary gland; its target is the testes.