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EXCRETORY SYSTEM

 Excretory System

The excretory system is the body system responsible for removing waste products and maintaining a healthy internal environment in the body.

Meaning of Excretion

Excretion is the process by which the body removes metabolic wastes and harmful substances produced during body activities.

Examples of wastes removed:

1. Urea

2. Excess water

3. Salts

4. Carbon dioxide

Organs of the Excretory System

Main Organs

• Kidneys

• Skin

• Lungs

• Liver

Functions of the Excretory System

The excretory system performs the following functions:

• Removes waste products from the body.

• Maintains water balance in the body.

• Regulates body salts and minerals.

• Helps maintain normal body temperature.

• Prevents accumulation of harmful substances.

• Maintains healthy blood composition.

• Helps maintain homeostasis (stable internal environment).

Functions of the Excretory Organs

1. Kidney

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located at the back of the abdomen.

Functions of the Kidney

• Filters blood to remove wastes.

• Produces urine.

• Removes excess water and salts.

• Helps regulate blood pressure.

• Maintains water balance in the body.

• Helps control the chemical composition of blood.

Waste Removed by the Kidney

• Urea

• Excess water

• Mineral salts

2. Skin

The skin is the outer covering of the body and contains sweat glands.

Functions of the Skin in Excretion

• Produces sweat.

• Removes excess water and salts through sweating.

• Removes small amounts of urea.

• Helps regulate body temperature.

• Protects the body from harmful organisms.

Waste Removed by the Skin

• Sweat

• Water

• Salts

• Small amount of urea

3. Lungs

The lungs are organs of respiration found in the chest cavity.

Functions of the Lungs in Excretion

• Remove carbon dioxide from the body.

• Remove water vapour during exhalation.

• Help maintain proper gas balance in the blood.

• Assist in keeping the body healthy through gaseous exchange.

Waste Removed by the Lungs

• Carbon dioxide

• Water vapour

4. Liver

The liver is the largest internal organ in the body, located on the right side of the abdomen.

Functions of the Liver in Excretion

• Breaks down harmful substances and toxins.

• Converts excess amino acids into urea.

• Helps remove worn-out red blood cells.

• Produces bile pigments that are excreted from the body.

• Stores important nutrients such as glycogen and vitamins.

Waste Removed by the Liver

• Bile pigments

• Toxic substances

• Excess amino acids (converted to urea)


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