What Is Urinary Excretion?

Urinary excretion is the fluid passed from the body by the excretory system. Often called urine, among other more colorful names, the fluid carries fluid waste from the body. Without this process the toxins in the waste would build up in the body and cause serious health problems.

Urine

• The human body produces 2 to 5 cups of urine each day. This increases with the amount of liquids consumed and decreases on hot days when the body has produced excessive sweat.

Composition

• Urine is made up of urea, a compound of hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon, water and other chemical compounds.

Urinary Excretion Process

• The kidneys remove toxins and waste from the blood. The waste materials then pass through the ureters to the bladder where it is stored until it can be passed from the body. The urine flows from the bladder to the exterior of the body through the urethra.

Bladder Capacity

• Depending on the size of the individual, the human bladder can contain as much as 2 pints. Muscle contractions force the urine from the bladder while urethral sphincter muscles control the urine flow.

The Kidneys

• Kidneys are located near the spinal column in the small of the back. There are two kidneys although only one is necessary for human survival. Kidneys are usually about 4 inches long and the left one is located slightly higher than the right.