Excretory system

Excretion

The removal of waste substances from metabolic reactions, toxic materials, and substances above requirements.

Osmotic balance

The maintenance of water and solutes in the body by the excretory system.

Metabolic waste

Waste products like carbon dioxide and nitrogenous wastes that are removed by the excretory system.

Liver

Organ involved in detoxification, producing urea from excess amino acids.

Nephron

Functional unit of the kidney, containing the glomerulus where blood is filtered.

Ultrafiltration

Process in the nephron where blood pressure forces fluid from the glomerulus into the Bowman’s capsule.

Selective reabsorption

Process in the nephron where some filtrate is reabsorbed back into the body.

Dialysis

Artificial method of filtering blood to remove toxins and excess substances, acting as an artificial kidney.

Kidney transplant

Surgical procedure where a healthy kidney is transplanted to replace a failed kidney, offering a long-term solution to kidney failure.

Immunosuppressant drugs

Medications taken after a kidney transplant to suppress the immune response and prevent rejection of the new kidney.