What is the process of removing waste products from the body after cell metabolism called?

The process of removing waste products from the body after cell metabolism is called excretion. Excretion is a crucial biological function that helps maintain homeostasis by eliminating substances that could become toxic or harmful if allowed to accumulate. When cells perform metabolism, they create various waste products, such as carbon dioxide, urea, and other metabolic by-products. These waste materials must be efficiently removed from the body to prevent damage to cells and organs.

Excretion involves several organ systems within the body, primarily the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The kidneys filter blood to produce urine, which contains waste products that are excreted. Additionally, other organs, such as the lungs (which excrete carbon dioxide) and skin (which excretes sweat), also play a role in the excretion process.

While filtration refers specifically to the process of separating substances based on size or other characteristics, and detoxification is primarily associated with neutralizing or removing toxins, the term respiration indicates the process of obtaining oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide, rather than focusing on waste removal specifically. Thus, excretion is the most accurate term for the complete process of waste removal in the context of metabolism.