Excretion of Carbon Dioxide & Urea
- Excretion can be defined as follows:
The removal of the waste products of metabolism and other toxic material from the body
- Waste products of metabolism include:
- Carbon dioxide
- This is a waste product of respiration and is excreted via the lungs
- Urea
- Urea is produced in the liver during the breakdown of excess amino acids and is excreted via the kidneys
- Carbon dioxide
Organs involved in excretion of urea and CO2 diagram
The lungs, liver and kidneys are involved in excretion
Exam Tip
Remember that waste products have to be excreted because they are toxic in some way. Allowing a buildup of toxic products would lead to cell damage and eventually organ failure and death.
