Human Excretory System (WJEC GCSE Biology)
Revision Note
Human Excretory System
The excretory system removes the waste products of metabolism from the body by filtering the blood and producing urine
The excretory system consists of two kidneys joined to the bladder by tubes called ureters
Another tube, the urethra, carries urine out of the body from the bladder
Each kidney is also connected to:
A renal artery which branches from the aorta and delivers blood to the kidney
A renal vein which delivers blood from the kidney to the vena cava
Excretory system diagram
The excretory system contains the kidneys and bladder
Structures of the excretory system table
Structure | Description |
|---|---|
Kidney | Two bean-shaped organs that filter blood |
Ureter | Tube connecting the kidney to the bladder |
Bladder | Organ that stores urine produced by the kidneys |
Urethra | Tube through which urine flows from the bladder to the exterior of the body |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Note the difference between the ureter and the urethra; these two names are commonly confused by students so take care to learn which tube is which – they are NOT interchangeable!
In an exam you may be asked to label the kidneys, renal arteries, renal veins, aorta, vena cava, ureters, bladder, or urethra on a diagram.
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