What is Excretion?

Organs Involved in Excretion

• Kidneys: Filter waste products from the blood and excrete them as urine.
• Liver: Processes and removes toxins from the blood, which are then excreted as bile or converted into water-soluble compounds for excretion by the kidneys.
• Intestines: Eliminate solid waste products from the body in the form of feces.
• Lungs: Remove carbon dioxide and other gases from the body through exhalation.
• Skin: Excretes small amounts of waste products through sweat.

Importance of Excretion

Process of Excretion

1. Filtration: In the kidneys, blood is filtered to remove waste products and excess substances.
2. Reabsorption: Useful substances such as water, glucose, and amino acids are reabsorbed back into the blood from the kidney tubules.
3. Secretion: Additional waste products and substances are actively transported into the urine in the kidneys.
4. Elimination: The urine is then transported to the bladder and eliminated from the body through urination.

Disorders Related to Excretion

• Kidney Stones: Formation of hard deposits in the kidneys, which can cause pain and block the flow of urine.
• Urinary Tract Infections: Infections in the urinary system that can cause discomfort and lead to complications if not treated.
• Liver Disease: Conditions that affect the liver's ability to remove toxins from the body, leading to a build-up of harmful substances.
• Respiratory Disorders: Conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can affect the ability of the lungs to excrete carbon dioxide effectively.