the excretory system Flashcards
definitions & functions etc
define excretory organs
the organs which remove the unwanted and toxic waste substances from the body are called excretory organs
define the process of excretion
the process of removal of unwanted and harmful metabolic waste substances is called excretion
name the substances to be excreted
urea & uric acid (nitrogenous wastes); bile pigments; water; extra salts; extra vitamins
describe the kidneys
the two reddish brown bean-shaped kidneys are situated toward the back of the abdomen, one on either side of the backbone at the level of the last two ribs. the right kidney is slightly lower than the left
describe the ureters
a narrow tube called the ureter runs up from the inner side of each kidney to the urinary bladder
describe the urinary bladder
muscular bag situated in the lower abdomen
describe the urethra
leading from the urinary bladder is a single median tube called urethra opening to the outside; longer in males and shorter in females
outer darker region of kidney?
cortex
inner lighter region of kidney?
medulla
_________ is the structural and functional unit of the kidney
nephron
main function of the nephrons?
filter & purify the blood and produce urine
define urination
the process of expulsion of the urine to the outside is called urination
name the accessory excretory organs
skin, lung, liver, salivary glands
define osmoregulation
regulation of water and salt content
explain kidney stones
formed when crystal forming substances are more than the fluid in the urine. when the chemicals start sticking together, they form crystals known as kidney stones
where can kidney stones be formed
anywhere in the excretory system
explain a UTI
urinary tract infections are an infection of any part of the urinary system - kidneys, urethra, ureters, urinary bladder.
when does a UTI occur?
when bacteria gain entry into the urinary tract and overcome the body’s defence
symptoms and treatment of UTI?
symptoms -
strong and frequent urge to urinate
burning sensation while urinating
treatment -
antibiotics
can be cured within 2-3 days (in case of mild infections)
presence of glucose in the urine indicates that the person is suffering from __________________ _______.
diabetes mellitus
define dialysis?
process of using a machine that filters and cleans the blood
if both kidneys fail, the blood soon becomes loaded with ____________________________.
urea and other waste substances
what are the options for treatment for kidney failure?
dialysis or a kidney transplant from a suitable donor
