The lungs play a vital role in excretion by eliminating gaseous waste from the body. Specifically, they are responsible for removing carbon dioxide.
How the Lungs Excrete Carbon Dioxide
Our bodies produce carbon dioxide as a byproduct of cellular respiration. This gas is transported in the blood and needs to be expelled from the body. The lungs facilitate this process by:
- Gas Exchange: Blood is transported to the lungs, where oxygen is absorbed and carbon dioxide is released into the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs.
- Exhalation: The carbon dioxide-rich air is then exhaled out of the body.
This continuous cycle of breathing ensures a constant removal of carbon dioxide, a waste product that is both useless and harmful to the body if allowed to accumulate.
Lungs as Excretory Organs
While the primary function of the lungs is gas exchange (intake of oxygen), their role in the removal of carbon dioxide classifies them as an excretory organ.
Here's a simple breakdown:
| Organ | Excretory Function |
|---|---|
| Lungs | Eliminate carbon dioxide |
As the provided reference highlights, "Another important excretory organ of our body is the lungs. It helps in eliminating the gaseous waste like carbon dioxide which is useless and harmful for our body." This confirms the excretory function of the lungs.
