Operation Ouch Season 7 Episode 23 Poo
- July 4, 2018
In "Operation Ouch" season 7 episode 23, entitled "Poo," viewers are taken on a journey through the digestive system, exploring what happens to food once it enters the body. Hosts and identical twin doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken introduce the show, highlighting the important role that poo plays in keeping us healthy.
The first segment of the episode explores the mouth and how we use our teeth to chew and break down food. Viewers are introduced to a special guest, an American alligator, whose teeth are specially adapted to grab and crush prey. The doctors then move on to the stomach, explaining how it works and what happens to food when it gets there. They discuss the importance of stomach acid and how it helps break down food, and then introduce a man who has had a gastric bypass surgery to help him lose weight.
Next, the doctors explore the small intestine, the part of the digestive system responsible for absorbing nutrients from food. They explain how the small intestine is specially designed to maximize the surface area for absorption, and show how this process can be disrupted by conditions like coeliac disease. They then move on to the colon or large intestine, where poo is formed. Viewers are introduced to some of the microbes that live in our gut and help us digest food, and learn about the importance of fibre in keeping us regular.
The doctors then visit a sewage treatment plant to learn about what happens to our poo once it leaves our bodies. They explain how the sewage is filtered and treated to remove harmful bacteria, and how the solid waste is turned into fertilizer. Finally, they answer some common questions about poo, including why it sometimes comes out different colours, and why our poo can float depending on what we've eaten.
Throughout the episode, the doctors use a variety of demonstrations and experiments to make the information more engaging and accessible. For example, they use a model stomach to show what happens when stomach acid breaks down food, and they create a visual representation of the surface area in the small intestine using a giant piece of fabric. They also introduce a character called "Poo-dini," a mischievous superhero who helps explain some of the concepts around poo and digestion.
Overall, "Operation Ouch" season 7 episode 23 is a fun and informative exploration of the digestive system and the important role that poo plays in our health. The doctors present the information in a way that is engaging and understandable for both children and adults, using humour and creativity to help viewers learn about a topic that can sometimes be seen as taboo. By the end of the episode, viewers will have a newfound respect for their digestive system and the humble poo.