Excretion in Humans
1. Definition of Excretion
Excretion is the process by which metabolic waste products and toxic substances are removed
from the body to maintain homeostasis.
2. Major Excretory Organs and Their Functions
A. Kidneys (Urinary System)
Filter urea, excess salts, and water from the blood to form urine.
Help regulate water balance (osmoregulation).
Maintain the pH and ion concentration of the blood.
B. Lungs
Remove carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water vapor as waste products of respiration.
Maintain the acid-base balance of the body.
C. Skin
Excretes sweat (which contains water, salts, and a small amount of urea) through sweat
glands.
Helps in temperature regulation.
D. Liver
Breaks down excess amino acids into urea via deamination.
Detoxifies alcohol, drugs, and toxins.
Converts hemoglobin from old red blood cells into bilirubin, which is excreted in bile.
3. The Urinary System and Its Parts
The urinary system is responsible for filtering blood, removing waste, and regulating water
balance.
A. Parts of the Urinary System
1. Kidneys – Filter waste from the blood and produce urine.
2. Ureters – Tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
3. Bladder – Stores urine until it is excreted.
4. Urethra – The tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
B. The Role of the Kidney in Excretion
Structure of the Kidney
Consists of the cortex, medulla, and pelvis.
Contains millions of nephrons, which are the functional units of excretion.
Parts of the Kidney and Their Functions
1. Cortex – The outer layer of the kidney where filtration occurs.
2. Medulla – The middle layer containing nephrons and tubules that process filtrate into
urine.
3. Renal Pelvis – A funnel-shaped cavity that collects urine before it moves to the ureter.
4. Nephrons – Microscopic structures that perform filtration, reabsorption, and excretion.
5. Glomerulus – A cluster of capillaries that filters blood.
6. Bowman’s Capsule – Surrounds the glomerulus and collects the filtrate.
7. Proximal Convoluted Tubule – Reabsorbs useful substances like glucose and water.
8. Loop of Henle – Regulates water and salt balance in urine.
9. Distal Convoluted Tubule – Further modifies the filtrate before it reaches the collecting
duct.
10. Collecting Duct – Channels urine into the renal pelvis for excretion.
Formation of Urine
1. Ultrafiltration – Blood is filtered at the glomerulus; small molecules like glucose, salts,
and water pass into the Bowman’s capsule.
2. Selective Reabsorption – Useful substances (like glucose and some water) are
reabsorbed in the proximal convoluted tubule.
3. Water Reabsorption – The loop of Henle and collecting duct adjust water reabsorption
based on the body's needs.
4. Excretion – Remaining waste, including urea, excess salts, and water, forms urine,
which is collected in the bladder.
4. Disorders Related to Excretion
Kidney failure – Can be treated with dialysis or kidney transplant.
Dehydration – Insufficient water intake affects kidney function and urine production.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) – Bacterial infections affecting the urinary system.
5. Importance of Excretion
Removes toxic metabolic waste from the body.
Maintains homeostasis by regulating ions, water, and pH.
Prevents accumulation of harmful substances that can damage organs.
Would you like me to add a labeled diagram of the urinary system? 😊
