The excretory system is one of the many systems that helps keep the human body running smoothly. This is done by "finding and removing waste materials produced by the body," as noted by the Franklin Institute Resources for Science Learning.
Identification
The kidneys, liver, lower intestines, lungs and skin are the organs of the excretory system.
Function
The four functions of the excretory system, according to ThinkQuest.org, are to get rid of wastes, eliminate useless byproducts excreted from cells, eradicate harmful chemical buildups and maintain a steady, balanced chemical concentration in the body.
Significance
According to AGC United Learning's Human Body Systems Series, "if wastes build up, they can poison the body. They can also prevent oxygen and food from entering the cells. These wastes include carbon dioxide, urea, nitrogen, inorganic salt and heat."
Kidneys And Intestines
The kidneys eliminate all liquid wastes, or urine, from the body, while the intestines remove the solid wastes.
Liver
The liver produces bile needed for breaking down fats.
Skin And Lungs
The skin keeps the body cool by excreting sweat, while the lungs remove carbon dioxide from the body while supplying it with the necessary oxygen to survive.
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