Excretory System

• published: 04 May 2010
• views: 219287

Check us out at http://www.tutorvista.com/content/biology/biology-iv/excretion/excretory-system-man.php Excretory System Excretory system is a passive biological system that removes excess, unnecessary or dangerous materials from an organism, so as to help maintain homeostasis within the organism and prevent damage to the body. It is responsible for the elimination of the waste products of metabolism as well as other liquid and gaseous wastes. As most healthy functioning organs produce metabolic and other wastes, the entire organism depends on the function of the system; however, only the organs specifically for the excretion process are considered a part of the excretory system. As it involves several functions that are only superficially related, it is not usually used in more formal classifications of anatomy or function. Removes metabolic and liquid toxin wastes as well as excess water from the organism. Within each kidney are an estimated one million microscopic nephrons. Filtering of the blood takes place within these areas. Each nephron contains a cluster of capillaries called a glomerulus. A cup-shaped sac called a bowmans capsule surrounds each glomerolus. The blood that flows through the glomerulus is under great pressure. This causes glomerulus, water, glucose and urea to enter the bowmans capsule. White blood cells, red blood cells and proteins remains in the blood. As the blood continues through the blood vessels, it winds around the renal tubala. During this time, reabsorption occurs. Glucos and chemicals , such as potassium ,sodium, hydrogen magnesium and calcium are reabsorbed into the blood. Almost all the water removed during filteration returns to the blood during the reabsorption phase. The kidneys control the amount of liquid in our bodies. Now only wastes are in the nephron. These wastes are called urine and include urea, water and inorganic salts. The cleansed blood goes into veins that carry the blood from the kidneys and back to the heart. Please like our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/tutorvista