Contextualization

The Excretory System is a biological system whose main function is the elimination of toxic substances and metabolic waste from the body. In humans, it includes organs such as the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. However, other organs such as the skin and lungs also play excretory functions by eliminating sweat and carbon dioxide, respectively.

The correct functioning of the excretory system is vital for maintaining the body's homeostasis, as it is through it that unwanted or excess substances are removed, ensuring the balance of salts and fluids, the regulation of blood pressure, the production of hormones, among other functions. Understanding it allows us to comprehend how the human body processes and eliminates waste, which is relevant for medicine, nutrition, physiotherapy, and other health areas.

Dysfunction of the excretory system can lead to serious and chronic diseases, such as kidney failure and high blood pressure. Therefore, raising awareness about the relevance of the excretory system and healthy lifestyle habits that contribute to its proper functioning is important. Analyzing this system is not only an educational approach but also a tool to promote health and well-being.

Introduction

For a clear understanding of the excretory system, it is necessary to discuss its structure and functions. The Kidney, a crucial organ of the system, is composed of millions of units called nephrons, each responsible for the filtration and reabsorption of substances. Through the nephrons, the kidneys can remove toxins from the blood, process them, and excrete them in the form of urine.

Urine, in turn, is carried by the ureters to the bladder, where it is stored until being eliminated through the urethra. At the same time, the skin and lungs also play important excretory functions, being responsible for the elimination of sweat and carbon dioxide, respectively.

In this project, we will analyze in detail the anatomy and physiology of the excretory system, its components, functions, related diseases, and intervention methods. By the end, you will be able to relate the theory learned to practice, consolidating the concepts covered.

Practical Activity

Title: Examining the Excretory System

Project Objective

Develop a three-dimensional (3D) model of the human excretory system, accompanied by an oral presentation and a written report detailing the anatomy, functions, and importance of the excretory system.

Detailed Project Description

Students should divide into groups of 3 to 5 people. Each group will be responsible for:

1. Developing a three-dimensional (3D) model of the human excretory system, representing the organs that make up the system and their respective functions.
2. Prepare an oral presentation of 10 to 15 minutes, explaining the model, its components, and functions.
3. Write a detailed report reflecting the work done, including the importance of the excretory system, its function in the human body, diseases associated with its dysfunction, and the relevance of the model in understanding the system.

These tasks should be completed within a total period of one week.

Required Materials

For the creation of the 3D model, students can use materials they consider most suitable, such as clay, cardboard, plastic, fabric, etc. The idea is for the model to be creative and at the same time faithful to reality. It is important, therefore, for students to research the organs of the excretory system and their anatomy before starting the construction of the model.

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution

1. Research the organs that make up the excretory system (kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, as well as skin and lungs) and their respective functions in the elimination of toxins and metabolic waste.
2. Develop a sketch of how the 3D model of the excretory system will be.
3. Choose the materials that will be used in the construction of the model and provide them.
4. Build the 3D model, representing correctly and creatively the organs of the excretory system and their connections.
5. Prepare a presentation to explain the model (how it was built and why it was built that way) and the functions of the represented organs.
6. Write a report explaining the steps taken from the initial research to the completion of the model and presentation. It should include a detailed discussion of the excretory system, its functions, its importance, diseases associated with its malfunction, and the relevance of the model in understanding the system. The report should be formatted with the following topics: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography.

Project Deliverables

The project results should be presented in three main components:

1. 3D Model of the Excretory System: The model should be robust, detailed, and creative. It should show all the organs of the excretory system and their connections.

2. Oral Presentation: The presentation should be clear, engaging, and informative. Each group member should actively participate in the presentation.

3. Written Report: The report should have a clear structure, detailed information, and well-founded arguments. Practical work should be correlated with the theory studied about the excretory system. The report should include the following topics:

   • Introduction: The theme should be contextualized, its relevance and application in the real world, as well as the project's objective.
   • Development: The theory behind the excretory system should be explained, the activity detailed, the methodology used indicated, and finally, the results obtained presented and discussed.
   • Conclusion: The work should be concluded by summarizing its main points, explaining the learnings obtained, and drawing conclusions about the project.
   • Bibliography: The sources on which the project was based should be indicated, such as books, web pages, videos, etc.