Question

(a) Name the various organs of human excretory system. Draw a labelled diagram of human excretory system. What is the function of excretory system in humans?
​(b) What is meant by dialysis? What type of patients are put on dialysis?

Answer 1

(a) The human excretory system is composed of a pair of kidneys, tube - like structures called ureter, a urinary bladder and a urethra.

Functions of the human excretory system:

• It helps in eliminating unwanted substances like ammonia, urea, uric acids, excess water, etc., from the body.

• It helps in maintaining the water balance of the body.

• It helps in maintaining the normal pH of the blood and other fluids inside the body.

• It helps in eliminating the drugs and toxins that we intake unknowingly.

• It helps in regulating body temperature by releasing sweat.

(b) If the kidneys fail to function, wastes may accumulate in the body, the body may retain excess fluid, and blood pressure may rise. In such a case, an artificial kidney or hemodialysis is useful.
- In hemodialysis, only a few drops of blood are allowed to flow, through a special filter that removes wastes and extra fluid. The detoxified blood is then returned to the body.
- ​The special filter used in dialysis consists of a number of tubes with semi-permeable lining, suspended in a tank filled with the dialysis fluid.
It is used for patients with kidney failure.