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Biology

Introduction

BiologyIntroduction
Photo shows two garbage trucks dumping their contents into a landfill.
Figure 41.1 Just as humans recycle what we can and dump the remains into landfills, our bodies use and recycle what they can and excrete the remaining waste products. Our bodies’ complex systems have developed ways to treat waste and maintain a balanced internal environment. (credit: modification of work by Redwin Law)

Chapter Outline

41.1 Osmoregulation and Osmotic Balance
41.2 The Kidneys and Osmoregulatory Organs
41.3 Excretion Systems
41.4 Nitrogenous Wastes
41.5 Hormonal Control of Osmoregulatory Functions

The daily intake recommendation for human water consumption is eight to ten glasses of water. In order to achieve a healthy balance, the human body should excrete the eight to ten glasses of water every day. This occurs via the processes of urination, defecation, sweating and, to a small extent, respiration. The organs and tissues of the human body are soaked in fluids that are maintained at constant temperature, pH, and solute concentration, all crucial elements of homeostasis. The solutes in body fluids are mainly mineral salts and sugars, and osmotic regulation is the process by which the mineral salts and water are kept in balance. Osmotic homeostasis is maintained despite the influence of external factors like temperature, diet, and weather conditions.

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