What is the Difference Between Elimination and Excretion?

Elimination and excretion are processes involved in removing waste materials and substances from the body. However, they differ in their specific roles and mechanisms:

• Elimination: This is the process by which waste and indigestible materials are removed from the body. It includes the removal of absorbed substances through metabolic pathways as well as through excretion. Elimination can be accomplished through metabolism, where the medication is broken down into inactive metabolites, or through excretion, which is when the intact medication is transported out of the body.
• Excretion: This pertains to the elimination of xenobiotics (foreign substances) and their metabolites by specific excretory organs. Excretion involves only in the removal of metabolic waste from the body. The main routes of excretion are via urine, feces, and exhaled air, and the primary organ systems involved in excretion are the urinary system, gastrointestinal system, and respiratory system.

In summary, elimination is a broader term that includes both the removal of waste materials and substances through metabolic pathways and excretion, while excretion specifically refers to the removal of metabolic waste and foreign substances by certain excretory organs.

Comparative Table: Elimination vs Excretion

Here is a table comparing the differences between elimination and excretion:

In summary, elimination is the process of removing waste and indigestible material from the body, while excretion is a specific type of elimination that involves the removal of metabolic waste from the body.