Basically, the waste products of metabolism must be immediately removed from the body. If not removed immediately, these waste substances will accumulate in the body and cause various diseases. The process of removing these wastes is known as excretion. There are several organ systems that play a role in this excretion.
The process of removing metabolic waste products from the body includes urine, feces, respiration, and sweat. The system that regulates the excretion of these substances is called the excretory system.
Organs Playing a Role in the Excretory System
There are a number of organs in the body that are directly involved in the removal of these wastes. Some of the organs of the body that have a function in the process of excretion, namely:
- KidneyKidneys are one of the main organs in the process of removing substances that are not needed by the body. The kidneys play a role in processing about 190 liters of blood to get approximately two liters of waste products and extra fluid that must be removed. This waste and extra fluid is then processed into urine which is then transported to the bladder through the ureters. In the bladder, urine will collect until it is full and must be expelled. In the process out of the body, urine passes through the urinary tract. The kidneys are also equipped with the ability to distinguish which substances are still useful and which are not. So, in addition to filtering waste and excess fluid, the kidneys also restore substances that are still needed by the body. The kidneys will sort out useful chemicals, such as sodium, phosphorus, and potassium, to be returned to the body's circulation. In kidney failure, the body fails to excrete waste and extra fluids. This causes a buildup of fluids, electrolytes, and body wastes that can reach dangerous levels. In addition to decreasing the amount of urine excreted, swelling of the hands and feet can occur.
- HeartAnother organ that is no less important in the excretory system is the liver. This organ plays a role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This is where the process of converting nutrients from food into substances that will be used in metabolism occurs. The liver is also a storage place for substances that the body needs. The liver, which is the largest organ in the human body, also functions to take toxic substances. These harmful substances will then be converted into substances that are safe for the body. In addition to converting them into safe substances, the liver will ensure that these substances are removed from the body.
- SkinIn the excretory system, the skin plays a role in excreting sweat through sweat glands that are scattered throughout the body. One of the purposes of sweating is to maintain a stable body temperature. When the body is hot, the skin will secrete and evaporate sweat. In this way the body temperature will be cooled slowly.
- Intestines besarIf all of the above organs play a role in removing fluids from the body, then the large intestine is in charge of channeling body waste in a denser form, namely feces. All waste from the whole body will be collected in the large intestine before being excreted through the anus. The end of the large intestine also has the function of re-absorbing fluids from the rest of the digestion of food.
Various problems will arise when the excretory system does not work properly. Therefore, take care of the health of the above organs so that they can continue to function properly. If you have symptoms related to the function of the organs above, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.
