excretion

Excretion

The biological process through which organisms remove waste products from their bodies.

Metabolic Wastes

Byproducts of metabolism that need to be removed, such as nitrogenous wastes, salts, and excess water.

Nitrogenous Wastes

Waste products that include urea (common in mammals), uric acid (found in birds and reptiles), and ammonia (toxic and requires a lot of water for excretion).

Ureters

Tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

Nephrons

Functional units of kidneys where filtration occurs.

Filtration

The process in which blood plasma is filtered in the kidneys to remove waste.

Reabsorption

The process of taking back useful substances like glucose and certain ions into the blood.

Secretion

The process of adding additional wastes and excess ions into the tubular fluid.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body, regulated by the excretory system.

Chronic Kidney Disease

A gradual loss of kidney function leading to waste accumulation in the body.

Urethra

The tube through which urine is expelled from the body.

Bladder

Storage organ for urine until excretion.

Excretion in Plants

Involves processes like transpiration and storage of waste products in leaves, bark, or roots.

Kidney Stones

Hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Infections that affect the bladder and urethra.

Importance of Excretion

Regulates body fluids, electrolytes, and pH levels, prevents toxicity, and helps regulate blood pressure and volume.