Erittämässä

Erittämässä is a Finnish term that broadly refers to the process of excretion in biological organisms. It encompasses the elimination of waste products from the body. In mammals, this primarily involves the urinary system, where kidneys filter blood to remove metabolic byproducts, excess salts, and water, which are then expelled as urine. The digestive system also plays a role in excretion, as undigested food material, known as feces, is eliminated from the body.

Beyond these major pathways, other excretory functions exist. The skin contributes through sweat glands, which release water and some dissolved waste substances. The lungs are involved in eliminating carbon dioxide, a gaseous waste product of cellular respiration, during exhalation. Plants also excrete waste, though their mechanisms differ. They may release excess salts or byproducts of metabolism through their roots into the soil or shed leaves and bark containing accumulated waste.

The efficiency of erittämässä is crucial for maintaining homeostasis, the stable internal environment necessary for an organism's survival. Disruptions to these excretory processes can lead to the buildup of toxic substances within the body, causing various health problems. The specific mechanisms and substances excreted vary significantly across different species, reflecting their unique physiological adaptations and environments.