120 likes | 158 Views
Learn about the excretory system and how it functions to rid the body of metabolic wastes, essential for maintaining internal balance. Discover the key organs such as skin, lungs, and kidneys that play a role in filtering blood, maintaining pH, and volume. Explore the structure and function of nephrons, the vital units within the kidneys that regulate filtration, pH balance, and blood volume. Watch a comprehensive video clip to deepen your understanding of the excretory process.
E N D
The Excretory System Getting rid of metabolic wastes!
Excretory System: The Function • To rid the body of wastes due to metabolic activity • This is essential to maintain homeostasis
Excretory System: The Organs • SKIN: • Rids body of excess water and salt (SWEAT) • LUNGS: • Rids body of CO2 • KIDNEYS: • Filter blood • Maintain blood pH • Maintain blood volume
Excretory System: The Kidneys • RENAL: • Refers to anything having to do with the kidneys • Kidneys involved w/ these structures: • Ureter: • Tubes that carry urine to bladder from kidneys • Urinary bladder: • Collects urine for excretion • Urethra: • Transports urine out of body from bladder
Kidney Structure • Renal Artery: • Carries unfiltered (dirty) blood from heart TO kidneys • Renal Vein: • Carries filtered (clean) blood from kidneys TO heart • Renal Cortex: • Outer portion • Renal Medulla: • “Corn” shaped inner portion • Nephrons: • Functional unit of the kidneys! • Lie between cortex and medulla • Millions of them!
Excretory System: The Nephron • Nephrons are the functional units of the kidney • This is where filtration, pH balance, and blood volume are maintained! • Glomerulus: • Bundle of capillaries • Bowman’s Capsule: • Surround glomerulus • Loop of Henle: • Maintains water balance • Collecting Duct: • Collects wastes from filtered blood • Connected to ureter
Excretory System: Nephron Process • Nephrons clean and maintain blood in 3 steps: • Filtration (filtering of blood): Glomerulus PRESSURE Bowman’s Capsule • Blood is filtered of water, urea, salts, and other materials • These filtered materials called FILTRATE • Reabsorption (maintaining blood volume and nutrients) • The “good” part of filtrate is reabsorbed by blood • Most filtered water re-enters blood to maintain volume • Secretion: (maintaining blood pH) • The “bad” part of filtrate is secreted back into filtrate • H+ ions, some water, salts, and urea • These together are called URINE! • Urination: Urine in Loop of Henle Collecting Duct Ureter Bladder Urethra