excretion in humans Flashcards
what is the definition of excretion
the removal of metabolic waste products, toxic substances, and substances in excess of the body’s requirements
how is metabolic waste produced
through metabolic activities such as respiration, deamination, and detoxification of alcohol
what are metabolic activities
chemical activities occurring within our body cells
how is carbon dioxide harmful to the body
it lowers the pH of cells and blood plasma, denaturing enzymes and damaging cell parts
how is carbon dioxide excreted
the lungs excrete carbon dioxide as gas in expired air
how is the accumulation of lactic acid harmful to the body
it causes muscle fatigue
how is the accumulation of urea harmful to the body
- abdominal pain
- nausea
- vomitting
what are the excretory organs of mineral salts
kidneys and skin
how are mineral salts excreted through the kidneys
as a component of urine
how is urea excreted through the skin
as a component of sweat, but in small quantities
what are the three excretory organs for water
kidneys, skin, lungs
how is water excreted through the kidneys
as a main component of urine
how is water excreted through the skin
as a main component of sweat
how is water excreted through the lungs
as water vapour in exhaled air
what is the excretory organ of bile pigments
liver
