Most gas passed during flatulence goes unnoticed because there isn't a smell. Flatulence occurs in the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Belching is mostly caused by the air we swallow, and it releases gas from the upper GI tract - the stomach and the esophagus. Our bodies have two processes to remove gas: belching (or burping) and flatulence. Eamonn Quigley, a gastroenterologist with Houston Methodist Gastroenterology Associates. If we didn't pass gas, we would explode,' says Dr. 'Flatulence is a normal physiological process, which occurs when the bacteria in the large intestine (colon) metabolize things in our diet that we can't metabolize. And, while we are still small children, we develop a fascination with one of our body's most basic functions - the accumulation and expelling of gas through the rectum, known as flatulence. The act goes by many names - cutting the cheese, blowing a raspberry, letting it rip, passing gas, breaking wind and tooting. It's considered both rude and crude - something you simply shouldn't do around other people.

Sometimes, much to the relief of the perpetrator, it can stealthily go unnoticed. It can announce its presence with an unapologetic, thunderous sound or a lingering, comedic melody. It assails our senses with its repugnant smell, while providing a much-needed release. It's both funny and embarrassing perfectly natural, yet offensive.

Why do boys like to fart