The Excretory System

The excretory system is a network of organs and tissues that work together to remove waste and excess substances from the body.

Main Components

Kidneys: Filter waste and excess substances from the blood.
 
Ureters: Tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder.
 
Bladder: Stores urine until it’s eliminated from the body.
 
Urethra: Tube that carries urine out of the body.
 
Skin: Removes excess salt and water through sweating.
 
Liver: Processes and removes toxins from the blood.
 
Large Intestine: Eliminates waste and absorbs water and electrolytes.

How the Excretory System Works?

Filtration: Kidneys filter waste and excess substances from the blood.
 
Urination: Waste is excreted as urine, and stored in the bladder.
 
Defecation: Waste is eliminated from the large intestine.
 
Sweating: Excess salt and water are removed through skin.

Functions

Waste Removal: Removes waste and excess substances from the body.
 
Fluid Balance: Regulates fluid levels and electrolyte balance.
 
Acid-Base Balance: Maintains the body’s acid-base balance.
 
Detoxification: Removes toxins and drugs from the body.

Interesting Facts

  • The kidneys filter around 200 quarts of blood daily!
  • The bladder can hold up to 2 cups of urine!
  • The skin eliminates around 1 liter of water daily through sweating!
  • The liver processes around 1.5 liters of blood per minute!

Common Excretory System Issues

Kidney Stones: Mineral deposits that block urine flow.
 
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Bacterial infections in the urinary system.
 
Liver Disease: Damage or dysfunction of the liver.
 
Constipation: Infrequent or difficult bowel movements.

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