15.3 excretion, homeostasis + liver

Excretion

Removal of metabolic waste from cells, essential for maintaining normal metabolism and homeostasis.

Liver

Organ that plays a crucial role in metabolism and detoxification of harmful substances.

Metabolic Waste

Byproducts of chemical reactions, such as CO2 and nitrogenous substances, that can harm cells if accumulated.

Detoxification

Process by which the liver breaks down toxic substances into less harmful compounds for excretion.

Deamination

The removal of amine groups from amino acids, producing toxic ammonia and organic acids.

Urea

A less toxic compound formed from ammonia and CO2 via the ornithine cycle, excreted by the liver.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase

Enzyme that breaks down ethanol into ethanal to prevent cell damage.

Catalase

Enzyme that splits hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water to prevent cell damage.

Paracetamol

Substance broken down by the liver to prevent toxicity to liver and kidneys.

Insulin

Hormone metabolized by the liver to help regulate blood glucose concentration.

Glycogen

Storage molecule formed from excess glucose in the liver.

Hepatocytes

Liver cells that perform various functions, including metabolism and detoxification.

Sinusoids

Channels in liver lobules that mix oxygen-rich blood from the hepatic artery with nutrient-rich blood from the hepatic portal vein.

Kupffer Cells

Specialized cells in the liver that ingest pathogens and foreign particles, aiding in disease protection.

Bile Canaliculus

Channel that links hepatocytes to the bile duct for bile transport.

Hepatic Artery

Supplies oxygenated blood to the liver.

Hepatic Vein

Carries deoxygenated blood away from the liver to the heart.

Hepatic Portal Vein

Brings nutrient-rich blood from the intestines to the liver.

Bile Duct

Transports bile from the liver to the gallbladder for storage.

Liver Lobules

Structural units of the liver, primarily composed of hepatocytes.