The excretory system is responsible for removing waste products from the body. Its main functions include:
1. Filtration: The excretory system filters the blood, removing waste materials such as toxins, excess water, salts, and nitrogenous wastes (urea, creatinine, ammonia).
2. Urine production: The excretory system produces urine by concentrating the filtered waste products into a fluid form that can be eliminated from the body.
3. Regulation of water balance: The excretory system helps regulate the body's water balance by controlling the amount of water that is excreted in urine.
4. Regulation of electrolyte balance: The excretory system maintains the balance of electrolytes (e.g. sodium, potassium, chloride) in the body by selectively reabsorbing or excreting them.
5. Acid-base balance: The excretory system helps maintain the pH balance in the body by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate ions.
6. Removal of metabolic wastes: The excretory system eliminates metabolic wastes produced by the breakdown of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.
7. Regulation of blood pressure: The excretory system helps regulate blood pressure by regulating the volume of blood plasma and the concentration of salt in the body.
8. Elimination of foreign substances: The excretory system is involved in the elimination of drugs, toxins, and other foreign substances that may be harmful to the body.
In summary, the function of the excretory system is to remove waste products, regulate water and electrolyte balance, maintain acid-base balance, eliminate metabolic wastes, regulate blood pressure, and eliminate foreign substances from the body.
what is the function of the excretory system
1 answer