Waste Excretion and Internal Equilibrium

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to waste excretion, kidney function, and hormonal regulation.

Waste Excretion

The process of removing waste products from the body.

Deamination

The process of converting excess protein to carbohydrates, forming an amino group.

Urea

A less toxic substance formed from ammonia and carbon dioxide in the liver, excreted by the kidneys.

Nephron

The functional unit of the kidney that filters blood and forms urine.

Filtration

The first step in urine formation where pressure in the glomerulus allows fluids and solutes to enter the Bowman’s capsule.

Reabsorption

The process of transferring good substances (solutes and water) back into the blood from the nephron.

Secretion

The process where substances are actively transported from the blood into the nephron.

ADH (Anti-diuretic Hormone)

A hormone produced by the hypothalamus that increases water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Osmoreceptors

Cells that detect changes in osmotic pressure and help regulate water balance.

Aldosterone

A hormone that increases sodium reabsorption in the distal tubule and collecting duct, affecting water balance.