Ch 16: Excretion: Urination & Sweat
About This Chapter
Excretion: Urination and Sweat - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives
This chapter details the processes involved in the excretory system and urinary system. Professional instructors describe how waste products in our bodies are detoxified and how the kidney works. You'll be introduced to the layers and function of the human skin and key terms like urethra, nephron, medulla, cortex, dermis and adipose tissue. This chapter is designed to teach you about:
- Blood filtering and elimination of urine
- Purpose of the liver
- Components of the urinary system
- Structures of the kidney
- Function of human skin
Video | Objectives |
---|---|
Excretory System | Describes how waste is filtered out of the blood through the kidneys and how blood composition and pressure stay regulated. Examines the role of the liver in detoxification and how urine is stored and eliminated. |
Gross Anatomy of the Urinary System | Summarizes toxin and drug excretion efforts of the kidneys. Explains how the nephron filters blood and forms urine. Analyzes the roles of the ureter, bladder and urethra. |
The Kidney: Major Divisions & Structures | Examines the kidney's layers and defines renal. Assesses the renal cortex and medulla, pelvis and hilum. |
Human Skin: Layers, Function & Structure | Identifies the three primary layers of human skin. Defines epidermis, melanocytes and keratinocytes. Describes adipose tissue and reviews the functions of the dermis and subcutis. |

1. Excretory System
Each year in the U.S., close to 400,000 people with kidney failure undergo dialysis treatment in order to remove waste, remove excess fluid and restore electrolyte balance. Kidneys, the workhorses of the excretory system, perform these same functions more effectively than any machine. In this lesson, we'll talk about how the excretory system removes toxic substances from the body.

2. Gross Anatomy of the Urinary System
Our body must detoxify and cleanse itself to thrive. That is why we depend so heavily on our liver and urinary system. In this lesson, we'll explore how toxins are filtered by our organs and how urine is formed and expelled with the nephron, bladder, ureters, and urethra.

3. Kidneys: Structure, Function & Medical Vocabulary
We will cover some basic terms associated with the formation of urine. Then we will delve into the structures that make up the kidneys and how each structure functions.

4. Human Skin: Layers, Function & Structure
This lesson will cover the three main layers of your skin, which includes the epidermis, dermis, and subcutis. In addition, we'll learn about other skin cells and tissue, such as adipose tissue, keratinocytes, melanocytes, and Merkel's cells.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the UExcel Science of Nutrition: Study Guide & Test Prep course
- Understanding Nutrition Basics
- Researching Nutrition
- Diet Planning Basics
- Carbohydrates in Nutrition
- Impact of Lipids on Nutrition
- Protein's Role in Nutrition
- Water as a Nutrient
- Minerals in Nutrition
- Symptoms of Major Mineral Deficiency & Toxicity
- Symptoms of Trace Mineral Deficiency & Toxicity
- The Role of Vitamins in Nutrition
- Gastrointestinal Anatomy and Digestion
- How the Body Handles Nutrients
- Health & Regulation of the GI Tract
- Understanding Cell Anatomy & Metabolism
- Managing the Body's Weight & Energy
- Eating Disorders: Risk to Nutrition
- Role of Physical Fitness in Nutrition
- UExcel Science of Nutrition Flashcards