logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2024
29m 28s

The Excretory System

MEDSCHOOLCOACH
About this episode

In this episode, we're covering the anatomy and physiology of key organs such as the kidneys, liver, skin, lungs, and large intestine, and discuss the crucial role they play in eliminating waste products from our bodies.

From the structure of the hepatic lobules in the liver to the sweat glands in our skin and the alveoli in our lungs, we'll cover how each component functions to maintain homeostasis. We'll also delve into the metabolic breakdown processes and the excretion of waste molecules such as urea, electrolytes, and gases like carbon dioxide. 

Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.

 

Jump into the conversation:

[00:00] Introduction to the MCAT Basics Podcast with host, Sam Smith

[04:50] Kidney, adrenal glands, nephrons filter blood. Bladder stores waste connected to kidneys.

[09:57] Liver has lobes and functional hepatic lobules. Skin excretes through sweating.

[12:20] Lung anatomy: trachea, bronchi, alveoli, gas exchange.

[16:54] Urea cycle energy requirement, deamination of amino acids.

[20:35] Urea density calculates volume of small ice cube.

[24:15] Carbon dioxide is a metabolic byproduct.

[27:46] Liver metabolizes drugs into water-soluble compounds.

Up next
Jun 2025
Introducing MCAT Basics+
MCAT Basics+ covers the highest yield science content tested on the MCAT in even greater depth and clarity, helping you study smarter and achieve your highest possible score. MCAT Basics+ is entirely ad-free, letting you stay completely focused. If you've enjoyed MCAT Basics, we ... Show More
1m 31s
May 2025
The Doppler Effect
The Doppler Effect is a crucial concept for the MCAT, particularly in the Chemistry & Physics section. We'll explore how the Doppler effect occurs when a wave source moves relative to an observer, affecting the observed frequency and wavelength. Using practical examples like an a ... Show More
13m 13s
May 2025
Viruses
In this episode, we cover the topic of viruses. We explore a comprehensive range of subtopics including the definition and structure of viruses, their life cycles, and the differences between transduction and transfection. We also discuss virus classification, viral mutations, an ... Show More
42m 54s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2019
Basic Human Liver Anatomy And Functions.
In this episode we discuss some basic liver anatomy. It’s function in the human body. Some of the common diseases of the liver. Also how to keep the liver healthy in order to function efficiently in the human body. Visit Med Brain Media for medical quizzes, trivia, puzzles, and g ... Show More
7m 50s
Jul 1
Circulatory System: Alveoli 🫁 GCSE Biology Learning & Revision
In this episode, we will discuss the alveoli in the circulatory system.Alveoli are microscopic air sacs within the lungs where the crucial exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs between air and blood through diffusion. Their structure is highly adapted for this vital proces ... Show More
5m 14s
Oct 2024
Histology of Epithelial Tissue
Epithelium is one of the four basic tissue types (the other three are muscle tissue, nerve tissue, and connective tissue). It is found throughout the body—covering it; lining organs, vessels, and cavities; and forming glands. It absorbs nutrients, transports electrolytes, secrete ... Show More
39m 11s
Aug 2024
Gluconeogenesis
In the fed state, glucose is used by almost all the cells in the body to generate energy. But even when we are not fueling it with food, our bodies still run well, such as during sleep. Gluconeogenesis is the process of synthesizing glucose from noncarbohydrate precursors. The ma ... Show More
27m 46s
Mar 2025
Amyloidosis
Ninja Nerds,Welcome to the Ninja Nerd Podcast with Zach and Rob! In this episode, we explore Amyloidosis, a complex disorder characterized by the misfolding and deposition of insoluble amyloid fibrils in tissues. We break down the different subtypes, including AL (light chain), A ... Show More
30m 35s
Nov 2024
Anatomy of the Posterior Abdominal Wall
It might not be the flashiest anatomical structure, but if you want to stand upright, and keep your retroperitoneal organs (like your kidneys) in place, the posterior abdominal wall is pretty important. Located at the back of the body, bounded by the lateral abdominal walls and t ... Show More
25m 47s
Jun 2022
388. Liver Series - Liver Cirrhosis
By the end of this episode you will be able to: Describe the anatomy and physiology of the liver Outline the pathophysiology and common symptoms of liver failure Explain how to assess and treat a patient with cirrhosis 
36m 24s
Mar 2024
Hormones
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss some of the chemical signals coursing through our bodies throughout our lives, produced in separate areas and spreading via the bloodstream. We call these 'hormones' and we produce more than 80 of them of which the best known are arguably oestrogen ... Show More
50m 13s
Mar 2024
Ep. 422 Pathology 101: Solid Advice for Percutaneous Biopsies with Dr. Andrew Sholl
In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, host Dr. Chris Beck interviews guest Dr. Andrew Sholl, who demystifies the ins and outs of percutaneous biopsies and their impact on diagnoses. Dr. Scholl is a pathologist at LCMC Health in New Orleans, Louisiana. Dr. Sholl emphasizes the ... Show More
55m 5s
Aug 2017
Sweat
Simon Morton and Alison Ballance present a three-part series exploring the science of sweat, virtual reality and Vitamin C. This week, the function of a much-maligned bodily fluid that plays a vital role in keeping us humans healthy and alive. Human sweat - 99 percent water with ... Show More
27m 13s