Excretory System
Excretory system
DEFINITION
The excretory system is a passive biological system that removes excess, unnecessary materials from an organism, so as to help maintain homeostasis within the organism and prevent damage to the body. It is responsible for the elimination of the waste products of metabolism as well as other liquid and gaseous wastes, as urine and as a component of sweat and exhalation. As most healthy functioning organs produce metabolic and other wastes, the entire organism depends on the function of the system; however, only the organs specifically for the excretion process are considered a part of the excretory system.
Parts and functions
The Skin
The skin is responsible for producing sweat, which helps regulate the salt concentration in the body. When you sweat, the salt helps evaporate the water and, in turn, cools off the body.
The Liver
The liver is part of the digestion system, but also plays a role in the excretory system. The liver has a small organelle called a peroxisome, which is responsible for taking high levels of toxicity and converting them to less toxic substances. Bile is a waste product in this process and is used in the digestive process.
The Kidneys
The role of the kidneys is to remove nitrogenous wastes from the body. Nitrogenous means that it is rich in the element nitrogen. Nitrogen in high concentrations in the body can cause several problems such as joint pain, strokes or heart attacks. The kidney is made up three parts: the renal cortex, the renal medulla and the renal pelvis. All mammals have two kidneys. The kidney's primary function is to regulate various body fluids and salt concentration.
The Other Parts of the Excretory System
The excretory system also contains the ureter, which are two tubes that lead into the bladder. The bladder holds unnecessary wastes for storage. The urethra is where urine is expelled from the body.
Filtration
Blood is filtered through the kidneys by first traveling through the renal artery.
DEFINITION
The excretory system is a passive biological system that removes excess, unnecessary materials from an organism, so as to help maintain homeostasis within the organism and prevent damage to the body. It is responsible for the elimination of the waste products of metabolism as well as other liquid and gaseous wastes, as urine and as a component of sweat and exhalation. As most healthy functioning organs produce metabolic and other wastes, the entire organism depends on the function of the system; however, only the organs specifically for the excretion process are considered a part of the excretory system.
Parts and functions
The Skin
The skin is responsible for producing sweat, which helps regulate the salt concentration in the body. When you sweat, the salt helps evaporate the water and, in turn, cools off the body.
The Liver
The liver is part of the digestion system, but also plays a role in the excretory system. The liver has a small organelle called a peroxisome, which is responsible for taking high levels of toxicity and converting them to less toxic substances. Bile is a waste product in this process and is used in the digestive process.
The Kidneys
The role of the kidneys is to remove nitrogenous wastes from the body. Nitrogenous means that it is rich in the element nitrogen. Nitrogen in high concentrations in the body can cause several problems such as joint pain, strokes or heart attacks. The kidney is made up three parts: the renal cortex, the renal medulla and the renal pelvis. All mammals have two kidneys. The kidney's primary function is to regulate various body fluids and salt concentration.
The Other Parts of the Excretory System
The excretory system also contains the ureter, which are two tubes that lead into the bladder. The bladder holds unnecessary wastes for storage. The urethra is where urine is expelled from the body.
Filtration
Blood is filtered through the kidneys by first traveling through the renal artery.