Question 1: Define excretion and explain its importance in maintaining homeostasis.

Answer:

Excretion is the process by which metabolic waste products and other non-useful
substances are removed from an organism. It is crucial for maintaining homeostasis,
as it helps regulate the internal environment of the body, ensuring the stable
operation of bodily functions. By removing toxic substances like urea and carbon
dioxide, excretion prevents damage to tissues and organs, thus maintaining the
balance of fluids and electrolytes, and the overall health of the organism.

Question 2: Describe the structure and function of the human kidney.

Answer:

The human kidney is a bean-shaped organ that plays a vital role in the excretory
system. Each kidney contains around a million nephrons, which are the functional
units responsible for filtering blood. The main structures of the kidney include the
renal cortex, renal medulla, and renal pelvis. The cortex contains the glomeruli and
Bowman’s capsules, where blood filtration begins. The medulla houses the loops of
Henle and collecting ducts, which are involved in concentrating urine. The renal
pelvis collects urine before it passes into the ureter. The primary function of the
kidneys is to remove waste products from the blood, regulate water and electrolyte
balance, and maintain acid-base homeostasis.

Question 3: Explain the process of ultrafiltration in the kidneys.

Answer:

Ultrafiltration occurs in the Bowman’s capsule of the nephron, where blood from the
glomerulus is filtered. The high pressure in the glomerulus forces water, glucose,
salts, and urea out of the blood and into the Bowman’s capsule, while large molecules
like proteins and blood cells remain in the blood. This filtrate, now called glomerular
filtrate, contains waste products and substances that need to be reabsorbed. The
process relies on the semi-permeable membranes of the glomerulus and Bowman’s
capsule to filter the blood effectively.

Question 4: Describe how the kidneys contribute to osmoregulation.

Answer:

The kidneys contribute to osmoregulation by adjusting the concentration of urine to

control the body's water balance. This process involves the reabsorption of water in
the nephrons, particularly in the collecting ducts, which is regulated by the hormone
antidiuretic hormone (ADH). When the body is dehydrated, ADH levels increase,
causing the collecting ducts to become more permeable to water, resulting in more
water being reabsorbed into the bloodstream and the production of concentrated
urine. Conversely, when there is excess water in the body, ADH levels decrease,
leading to less water reabsorption and the production of dilute urine.

Question 5: How does dialysis mimic the function of the kidneys?

Answer:

Dialysis is a medical procedure that mimics the filtration function of the kidneys for
patients with kidney failure. In hemodialysis, a machine filters the patient’s blood
through a dialyzer, which removes waste products, excess salts, and fluids. The
dialyzer contains a semi-permeable membrane that allows these substances to
diffuse out of the blood while retaining essential proteins and cells. Peritoneal
dialysis uses the patient’s peritoneum as the semi-permeable membrane. Dialysis
helps to maintain homeostasis by regulating the composition of the blood in the
absence of functional kidneys.

Question 6: What are the excretory products of the lungs and skin?

Answer:

The lungs excrete carbon dioxide and water vapour as waste products of cellular
respiration. During exhalation, these gases are expelled from the body, helping to
regulate the acid-base balance of the blood. The skin excretes sweat, which contains
water, salts (mainly sodium chloride), and small amounts of urea. Sweating helps to
regulate body temperature and remove excess salts from the body.

Question 7: Explain the role of the liver in excretion.

Answer:

The liver plays a crucial role in excretion by metabolising toxins and waste products.
It converts excess amino acids into urea through the urea cycle, which is then
excreted by the kidneys. The liver also breaks down old red blood cells, producing
bilirubin, which is excreted in bile. Additionally, the liver detoxifies harmful
substances, such as drugs and alcohol, making them easier for the kidneys to
excrete. Through these processes, the liver helps to cleanse the blood and maintain
metabolic balance.
Question 1: State that carbon dioxide is excreted through the lungs.

Answer:

Carbon dioxide is excreted through the lungs as a waste product of cellular

respiration. During exhalation, carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the alveoli
and is expelled from the body.

Question 2: State that the kidneys excrete urea and excess water and ions.

Answer:

The kidneys excrete urea, excess water, and ions by filtering these substances from
the blood to form urine, which is then expelled from the body.

Question 3: Identify in diagrams and images the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and
urethra.

Answer:

In diagrams of the human excretory system, the kidneys are located on either side of
the spine in the lower back. The ureters are tubes that connect the kidneys to the
bladder, which is a muscular sac located in the pelvis. The urethra is the tube that
carries urine from the bladder out of the body.

Question 4: Identify in diagrams and images the structure of the kidney, limited to the
cortex and medulla.

Answer:

In diagrams of the kidney:

The cortex is the outer region that contains the glomeruli and Bowman’s capsules.
The medulla is the inner region that consists of the renal pyramids and contains the
loops of Henle and collecting ducts.

Question 5: Outline the structure and function of a nephron and its associated blood
vessels.

Answer:

a. Role of the Glomerulus:

The glomerulus is a network of capillaries where blood filtration begins. High
pressure in the glomerulus forces water, glucose, urea, and ions out of the blood and
into the Bowman’s capsule, forming the filtrate.

b. Role of the Nephron in Reabsorption:

The nephron reabsorbs all of the glucose, some of the ions, and most of the water
back into the blood as the filtrate passes through the proximal convoluted tubule,
loop of Henle, distal convoluted tubule, and collecting duct.

c. Formation of Urine:
After reabsorption, the remaining filtrate, now called urine, contains urea, excess
water, and excess ions. This urine is collected in the renal pelvis and transported to
the bladder via the ureters.

Question 6: Describe the role of the liver in the assimilation of amino acids by
converting them to proteins.

Answer:

The liver plays a crucial role in the assimilation of amino acids by converting them
into proteins needed for various bodily functions, including enzyme production,
muscle repair, and immune response.

Question 7: State that urea is formed in the liver from excess amino acids.

Answer:

Urea is formed in the liver from the deamination of excess amino acids. This process
converts the amino acids into ammonia, which is then converted into urea for safe
excretion.

Question 8: Describe deamination as the removal of the nitrogen-containing part of

amino acids to form urea.

Answer:

Deamination is the process by which the nitrogen-containing amine group is removed

from amino acids. This process occurs in the liver, resulting in the formation of
ammonia, which is then converted into urea and excreted by the kidneys.

Question 9: Explain the importance of excretion, limited to the toxicity of urea.

Answer:

Excretion is vital because it removes toxic substances, such as urea, from the body.
Urea is produced from the breakdown of amino acids and, if not excreted, can
accumulate in the blood and tissues, leading to harmful effects such as toxicity and
damage to cells and organs. Maintaining low levels of urea is essential for overall
health and the proper functioning of the body.