Excretion Study Guide

What is Excretion?

Excretion is the process of removing waste products and harmful substances from the body.

Organs Involved in Excretion

• Kidneys: They filter the blood to remove waste products and excess substances, producing urine as a result.
• Lungs: They remove carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular respiration, during exhalation.
• Skin: Sweat glands in the skin excrete water, salts, and small amounts of urea in the form of sweat.
• Intestines: They excrete solid waste in the form of feces, which contains undigested food and other waste products.

Importance of Excretion

Excretion is essential for maintaining the body's internal balance by eliminating waste products and regulating the levels of substances such as water, salts, and gases.

Common Waste Products

Waste products excreted from the body include urea, carbon dioxide, water, salts, and other metabolic by-products.

Disorders Related to Excretion

Disorders such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and kidney failure can affect the excretory system and lead to imbalances in the body.