Name:…………………………..……………………………………….Class:…..……..

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SECOND TERM E-LEARNING NOTES

JS 2

SUBJECT: BASIC SCIENCE

SCHEME OF WORK FOR SECOND TERM

WEEK TOPIC

1. Revision of first term,s work

2. Changes in living things
3. Changes in non living things
4. The human body (skeletal system and movement)
5. Respiratory system
6. Circulatory system
7. Digestive system
8. Reproductive system
9. Excretory system
10. Revision
11. Examination

WEEK 1 Revision of first term work

WEEK 2

TOPIC: Changes in living things (Growth and Development)

CONTENT: 1. Definition of growth and development

2. Growth and developmental changes (Childhood and infancy, adolescence,

adulthood

3. Characteristic features of stages of development

4. Classifying growth and developmental changes(Temporary and permanent

chages).
SUB-TOPIC 1: Definition of growth and development

Growth is the permanent increase in size of an organism due to increase in number of cells.
Growth is brought about by cell division and depends on the type of food taken.

Development is a series of orderly changes by which a living thing comes into maturity .It is a
series of changes that occur during growth .It is a gradual process leading to maturation of
organs and behaviours of individual like social, emotional as well as skill acquisition.

Growth and developmental changes

The noticeable change in the body size over time is termed growth change. Growth change can
be determined by measure of height and weight at time intervals while developmental changes
can be observed by appearance of certain characteristics features and capabilities.
Development leads to transition from one stage of life to another e.g a baby develops from
infancy to childhood, then to adolescence and to adulthood. Developmental changes are
progressive and move from simple to complex.

Sub-topic 2

Characteristic features of developmental stages

The developmental changes are characterized by certain features which include the following:

1. Infancy and childhood

Infancy is period of dramatic growth which last from birth to around two years. It is also a time
when children form emotional attachments to their care givers e g mother. Childhood is the
stage from birth to puberty. After infancy, children can walk, run and speak in simple sentences.
Childhood is characterized by light body weight, small size, very rapid growth particularly in the
first two years of life very active body and restlessness.
2 Puberty/Juvenile: This is the transition stage from childhood to adolescence. As children
approach the ages of 9 and 10 years, they become more independent and might start noticing
the physical changes of puberty. A major growth spurt can occur at this time as the body begins
sexual development. This also can be a time of stress for children as peer pressure takes its toll.
Body image along with emotional changes often causes children to feel less confident. Juveniles
also start preparing for middle school by taking on more academic responsibilities and focusing
on goal-setting and accomplishment

Sub-topic 3

3 Adolescence: This is the stage between adulthood. From ages 12 to 18 years, children
experience distinct mental and physical changes. According to the National Institutes of Health
(NIH), the beginning of a girl's menstrual cycle typically occurs 2 years after the onset of
puberty. The NIH reports that boys do not begin puberty with a distinct marker and tend to
mature with adult genitalia about age 16 or 17 years. During this time of physical change,
adolescents may become more self-centered. In middle to late adolescence, teen-agers are
often characterized as becoming more comfortable with their body sexually and ready to have
romantic friendships. Adolescent behavior often includes the teen-agers' need to pull away
from parents and authority figures to establish their own self-identity and make decisions on
their own.

4 Adulthood: This is the stage of full maturity. It is often noted when a person is considered
chronologically, legally and behaviorally ready to hold responsibilities such as operating a motor
vehicle, voting, taking the vows of marriage, entering into a contract and serving in the armed
forces. The process of becoming mature does not end with adolescence but continues
throughout adulthood as psychological, safety and self-actualization needs are met. Adulthood
is often divided into three categories: young adulthood, middle age and old age.

Classifying growth and developmental changes (Temporary and permanent changes)

Temporary changes:

These include growth of pimples in male and female at adolescence, malnutrition or

kwashiorkor, fatness, enlargement of stomach after a meal or intake of water. These changes
are usually due to food in-take. Other temporary changes are bedwetting, sweating and rise in
body temperature .Temporary changes may naturally disappear after some time .They can also
be corrected medically or by change in behavior

Permanent changes: These are changes that remain for life and are not reversible. Features
that associated with each of the human developmental stages of childhood, adolescence and
adulthood are permanent changes and remain with the individual throughout life.

Factors affecting growth and development

i. Food

ii. Heredity

iii. Exercise and rest

iv. Gland

v. Love and care

vi. Diseases.

EVALUATION:

Define growth and development.

List the human developmental stages.

List the factors affecting growth and development.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT: In STAN JSS 2 text book, write short notes on the factors affecting
growth and development.

WEEK 3

TOPIC: Changes in non-living things

CONTENTS: Types of changes in non-living things (Physical and chemical changes

Characteristics of physical and chemical changes.

Sub-Topic 1: Types of changes in non living things

Non-living matter undergo changes i.e they can be made to change from one state to another.
They can be made to form new substances.

I. Physical changes
II. Chemical changes

Physical changes: These are changes in which no new substances are formed. A physical change
is a temporary change. It is reversible .The composition of the new substance does not change
when undergoing a physical change. Examples are:

1. Melting of candle wax.

2. Dissolution of salt in water to form a salt solution.

Salt + water ____________ salt solution

3 All changes of state of matter are physical changes.

i vapourization of liquid to gases

Ii.Melting of solids to liquids e.g ice to water

iii. Liquefaction of gases to liquids e.g cooking gas is liquefied under pressure.

Iv . Sublimation of solids to vapours

V All processes of separation of mixture are physical changes e.g distillation

Vi. Magnetization and demagnetization of iron.

Sub-Topic 2: Chemical changes:

These are changes in which new substances are formed. t is a permanent change and not easily
reversible. The composition of a substance changes during the process of chemical change.
Examples of chemical changes are:

1. Burning of substance in air e.g burning of paper or wood.

2. The rusting of iron.
3. Dissolution of metals in or limestone in acids.
 E.g. Zn + H2SO4------------ ZnSO4 +H2

4. All processes of fermentation and decaying of substances are chemical changes

5. The addition of water to calcium oxide

Sub-Topic 3: Characteristics of physical and chemical changes

Physical changes Chemical changes

1 It is easily reversible. It is not easily reversible.

2 No new substance is formed. A new substance is formed.
3 No change in the mass of the substance. Involves change in the mass of the substance.
4 It is not accompanied by great heat. It is usually accompanied by great heat change.
5 Change is temporary. Change is permanent.

EVALUATION:

1. Explain the following: i. physical change ii. Chemical change.

2. Differentiate between physical change and chemical change.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT:

Read STA N Basic Science J S S 2, Chapter 7 ,pages 37-41.

WEEK 4

TOPIC: The human body (Skeletal system and Movement)

CONTENT:1. Human skeleton

2. Functions of the skeleton

3. Parts of the body responsible for movement e.g

4. Bones, muscles and joints.

5. Importance of movement to human beings:

Sub-Topic 1: Human skeleton

Bones are of hard chemical materials called Calcium (II)Tetraoxophosphate (IV), Calcium (II)
Trioxocarbonate(IV).These are living cells that can grow.

The parts of the body responsible for movement are bones, joints and muscles. Human body is
built on supporting framework of bones called Skeleton. Skeletons are bony structures, which
give animals rigidity, support and also protect delicate organs of the body.

Human skeletal system

Skeleton could be divided into two main groups:

1 Axial skeleton

2 Appendicular skeleton

1 Axial skeleton

This consists of the skull, the vertebral column or back bones and the rib cage.There are up to
80 bones

of axial skeleton.
 .

2 Appendicular skeleton. This consists of the bones of the limbs and limb girdles. The limbs are
the fore limbs (arms) and the hind limbs (legs and feet).The girdles are the pectoral (shoulder)
and the pelvic girdles (hip).The appendicular skeleton has up to 126 bones.

Functions of the skeleton

1It provides support for the body.

2 it protects vital organs.

3 It gives shape to the body.

4 It provides surface for attachment of muscles for movement

5 Red blood cells are formed in the bone marrow.

6 Bones store salt (calcium and phosphorus).

Sub-Topic 2: Muscles and Joints

Muscles are bundles of elastic substance in an animal body. Muscles are attached to bones by
means of tendons. Muscles are made up of many tiny cells, which are held together by thin
strands of connective tissues .A tight cord which holds bones together is called ligament. A
flexible connective tissue which is found between one vertebra and the other is called
Cartilage. It serves as shock absorber which prevents the bones from wearing out.

Types of muscles

1 Skeletal muscle: These attached to the bones of the skeleton which help to move.
2 Smooth muscles: These lined many structures in our body such as intestine and blood vessels.

3 Cardiac muscles: Are special striped muscles with the ability to work continuously.

Joints

The point where two bones meet is called a joint. The bones are actually held together by rope-
like materials called ligament.

Types of joints

1 Ball and socket joints: These allow free rotation of the bones e.g the hip bones.

2 Pivot joint: This is found only in the neck bone. It allows the rotation of the head on the neck.
It also permits nodding and limited bending movements.

3 Hinge joint: This allows movement in one direction only e.g elbow joint.

4 Gliding /sliding joint: This allows the sliding, twisting or turning of one bone over another e.g
joints at the wrist, ankle joint.

5 Suture joint: This is found in the skull.

Sub-Topic 3: Importance of movement to human beings

Human beings move in order to

1 Look for food

2 For reproduction/sexual partner

3 To run away from danger.

4 To look for shelter and safety.

5 To respond to environment.

6 To celebrate with each other /attend social functions.

7 To practice profession of their choice to earn a living.

8 To keep themselves and their surroundings neat and tidy.

9 To enjoy themselves.
EVALUATION: 1 Mention the importance of movement to human beings.

2 List types of joints and muscles.

3 Explain the following: a Tendon b Cartilage c Ligament.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT: Read STAN Basic Science chapter 10, pages 56 -59.

REF. TEXTS:1 STAN Basic Science Project ,book two

2 Basic Science Made Easy, Book Two

3 Longman Basic Science, Book Two

Week 5

TOPIC: Human Respiratory System

CONTENT: 1 Meaning of respiration

2 Parts of human respiratory system

3 Functions of the respiratory system

4 Problems associated with breathing

Sub-Topic 1: Meaning of respiration

Respiration is the process by which food substances are broken down in our body to release
energy. In big animals like human beings, air enters the body through special organs. These
organs are called respiratory organs. Respiratory organs include ;
Nostrils ,larynx ,pharynx ,trachea(wind pipe) ,bronchi ,lungs ,bronchioles ,alveoli ,and
sometimes mouths.
Parts of respiratory system

EVALUATION: i Define respiration

ii List five respiratory organs

Sub-Topic 2: Types of respiration

1 Aerobic respiration: This involves the use of oxygen to librate energy

C6 H12 O6 + 6O2 _________ 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy

Glucose Oxygen Carbon dioxide water

2 Anaerobic respirations: This involves a chemical process through which energy is released in
the absence of oxygen.

C6H12O6_________________ 2C2H5OH + 2CO2 + energy

Glucose Ethanol Carbon dioxide

Functions of the respiratory system

The main functions of the respiratory system are:

1 Breathing [External respiration]

2 Cellular respiration [Internal respiration]

Breathing is the exchange of gases in which oxygen is breathed in and carbon-dioxide is

breathed out. Breathing is one of the stages in respiration. Breathing supplies oxygen for
respiration and takes away carbon dioxide which is a poisonous end product of respiration,
while respiration is the process by which oxygen breathed in from the atmosphere is used in
breaking down food substance in our body cells to release needed energy with carbon dioxide
and water as the waste product

EVALUATION: Differentiate between breathing and respiration

SUB-TOPIC 3
Problems associated with breathing

1 Asthma

2 Tuberculosis

3 Pneumonia

4 Bronchitis

5 Severe acute respiratory syndromes [SARS]

6 Hay fever

7 Silicosis

EVALUATION: Mention the problems associated with breathing

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT: Explain the following [I] Inspiration [ii] Expiration

Read STAN Basic Science Book Two, Chapter 9; Pages 50-55

REF. TEXTS:1 STAN Basic Science Project ,book two

2 Basic Science Made Easy, Book Two

3 Longman Basic Science, Book Two

WEEK 6

TOPIC: Circulatory system

CONTENT: Meaning of circulatory system

Parts of the respiratory system

Simple structure and function of the heart and blood vessels

Importance of the circulatory system

Blood defects and diseases

Importance of blood test and groupings e.g HIV/AIDS, sickle cell anaemia, leukemia

Sub-Topic 1: Meaning of circulatory system

The parts of the body which work together to ensure the circulation of oxygen ,digested food
substance as well as transportation of waste products from one part of the body to another is
referred to as the circulatory system.

Circulatory systemParts of the human circulatory syste

The circulatory system is made up of

 The blood,
 The heart ,and
 The blood vessels.
 Components of blood
 Blood consists of the following:
 Red blood cells [Erythrocytes]
 White blood cells [Leucocytes]
 Platelets
 Plasma

Platelets White blood cells Red blood cells

Blood constituents

Functions of the blood

1 It carries the digested food materials to all parts of the body

2 It protects body against diseases.

3 It transports oxygen to all parts of the body for oxidation of food.

4 It regulates body temperature

5 It transports waste materials to excretory organs for excretion

EVALUATION: 1 Mention functions of blood

2 List the components of the blood

Sub-Topic 2: Structure of the Heart

The Heart

Heart is a muscular organ which has four chambers. The four chambers consist of two upper
chambers which are the right auricle and the left auricle. The two lower chambers which are
the right ventricle and the left ventricle. Between the auricles and ventricles are two small
openings [valves].The openings between the left auricle and the left ventricle is called the
bicuspid valve while the opening between the right auricle and the right ventricle is called the
tricuspid valve. The heart is located in the chest cavity of the body and is connected to all parts
of the body by means of blood vessels.

Functions of the heart

1 It is the organ for pumping blood to all parts of the body.

2 It keeps blood in continuous circulation.

3 Pumping action of the heart is known as heart beat, man has an average of 72 heat beat per
minute.

Blood Vessels: Blood moves around our body through tubes called blood vessels. There are
three main types of blood vessels on the human circulatory system .These are arteries, veins

and capillaries. Arteries

Arteries carry blood away from the heart to all parts of the body.

Veins carry blood to the heart from all parts of the body.

Capillaries connect arteries to veins.

EVALUATION: 1 Mention the functions of the heart.

2 List blood vessels and their uses.

Sub-Topic 3: Importance of the human circulatory system

1 It serves as the transport system of our body, for carrying many substances from one part of
the body to another.

2 It serves as body defense against diseases and harmful organisms.

3 It serves as the cleaning agent for the body by carrying poisonous waste products from where
they are produced to the parts of the body to remove them.

Blood detects and diseases

1. Sickle cell
2. Anaemia
3. Leukemia
4. High blood pressure
5. Coronary thrombosis
6. Stroke
7. Hemophilia
8. HIV/AIDS

Sub-Topic 3: Importance of blood test

1 To determine the health status of an individual.

2 To detect some blood diseases e. g HIV/AIDS.

3 To determine the blood group of an individual.

4 To screen blood before transfusion.

5 To confirm pregnancy.

6 To monitor known health condition e. g blood sugar level.

7 To choose marriage partners.

8 To determine the genotype of an individual e .g AA, AS, SS

Blood groups

Human blood is classified into four groups. The groups are:

Group A, B, AB, O

Group A can receive blood from group A and O

Group B can receive blood from group B and O

Group AB can receive blood from group A, B, and O

Group O can receive blood from group O only.

 Blood group O is a universal donor and blood group AB is a universal recipient.

EVALUATION: 1 Mention the blood groups.

2 List five importance of blood test.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT: Read STAN Basic Science for JSS 2 Pages 42-49

Mention the digestive organs.

REF. TEXTS: 1. STAN Basic Science Project, book two

2. Basic Science Made Easy, Book Two

3. Longman Basic Science, Book Two

WEEK 7

TOPIC: Digestive system

CONTENT: Definition of terms e. g digestion and digestive system etc.

Parts of digestive system from mouth to anus.

Digestion process at various stages.

Absorption of food.

Simple food test.

Sub-Topic 1: Definition of terms e. g digestion and digestive system etc.

Digestion is the process by which food substances are broken down into simple and soluble
form that can be readily absorbed into the body.

Digestive system

All the parts of the body which work together to ensure digestion of food are called the
digestive system.

Ingestion: This is the taking in of food into the mouth.

Absorption: This process by which food from digestion is taken into the animal body fluid.
Egestion: This is the process whereby undigested food is removed as faeces through the anus
from the body.

Parts of the digestive system

The digestive system consists of a long tube from the mouth to the anus with various organs
connected with it. The long tube is the alimentary canal and is made up of the organs below:

Digestive organs Human alimentary canal

The mouth

The gullet oesophagus []

The stomach

The small intestine

The large intestine

The anus

Sub-Topic 2: Digestion process at various stages

1 The mouth: Food is mixed with saliva from the salivary glands.Saliva contains the enzyme
ptyalin which starts the digestion of starch, and converts it to maltose.The softened food is
swallowed into the oesophagus (gullet) as a small ball or bolus.

2 The oesophagus (gullet): It is a narrow tube which connects the mouth to the stomach. Food
that has been chewed and partially digested in the mouth is pushed down the gullet into the
stomach by the process of peristalsis. Peristalsis is the motion by which food is pushed along
the gullet.

3 The stomach: The stomach is a sac-like organ. It is made up of connective tissue which holds
the organ together. The stomach secretes which contains hydrochloric acid which stops starch
digestion; enzyme pepsin acts on proteins and converts it to peptone and enzyme rennin
coagulates milk. The semi-liquid and partly digested food in the stomach is called chyme and
passes into the first section of the small intestine-duodenum.

4 Small Intestine: Pancreas in the small intestine secretes pancreatic juice which contains
enzymes lipase, tripsin and amylase that help to digest fats and oil, protein and carbohydrates
in the duodenum which is the first section of the small intestine. Bile from the liver is stored in
the gall bladder, and enters the duodenum through bile duct. Bile emulsifies fats .Digestion of
food is completed in the small intestine.

5 Large Intestine: The part of the food reaching the large intestine is waste materials, and is
useless to the body. The large intestine absorbs any water in the waste materials. The hard
waste (faeces) is passed out through the anus.

Sub-Topic 3: Absorption of food

At the end of the digestion all end products, vitamins, salts and water are absorbed in the small
intestine through special structures which appear like small fingers on the wall of the intestine.
They are called villi. They help to increase the surface area of the small intestine for absorption
of food substance into the blood stream.

Simple food test

All food we eat can be classified into six types. They are carbohydrates, vitamins, fats and oils,
mineral salts, proteins and water. All these food are chemical in nature. They can react with
other chemicals to produce new substances .The scientists use simple food tests to identify
food types or the contents of food materials.

Food Test Result/Observation

Starch Add iodine solution to the starch food Turn blue black

Reducing [i]Add fehling’s solution A &B to the solution [i]Turn to red precipitate
sugar of sugar and boil.
[ii]Add Benedict’s solution to solution of [i] Turn to red/yellow precipitate.
sugar and boil
Protein [i] Millon’s Test.Add millon,s reagent to [i] White precipitate formed, which on
protein (egg albumen). heating turns red.
 [i] Biuret Test. Add dilute sodium hydroxide
solution and drops of copper (II) [ii]A purple colour confirms presence
tetraoxosulphate(IV) solution to protein of protein
solution.
Oils and fats [i]Rub oil on a piece of paper. Look against [i]There is a translucent oil spot on
light. paper.
[ii] Add sudan III solution to oil/fat. [ii] Turns to distinct red colour.
[iii] Add cosmic acid to oil and boil. [iii] Turn to black precipitate.

WEEK: 8

TOPIC: REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

CONTENTS: 1.Parts of Reproductive system (male and female) and their functions.
2. Puberty
3. Secondary sexual characteristics
4. Importance of Reproduction

Sub-topic 1: Parts of Reproduction (male and female) and their functions

Reproduction is the ability of living organisms to produce young ones of their kinds.
Reproduction is one of the characteristics of living things that ensure continuity of life.

TYPES OF REPRODUCUTION
There are two types of reproduction. These are (i) Asexual Reproduction: This involves one
individual forming new off-springs. Examples are (a) Vegetative propagation in plants (b) Binary
fission in amoeba (c) Budding in Hydra and (d) Spore production in Mucor and Mushroom. (ii)
Sexual Reproduction: This involves mating of male and female in order to give rise to new off-
springs. All new life comes from cells i.e sex cells. The male sex produces the male gametes
(sperms or spermatozoa) from testes, the reproductive organs. The female sex produces the
female gametes (ovum or egg cell) from the ovary, the female reproductive organs.

Male Reproductive Organs

Organs Functions
1.Testes Produces sperm
2.Scrotal sac Protects testes
3.Penis Introduces semen into the vagina of the
4.Vas female
deferens Transfer sperm from testes to seminal vesicle
5.Urethra Carries sperm within the penis into female
organ.

Female Reproductive Organs

Organs Functions
 1.Ovaries Produces eggs
2.Fallopian Receives the egg cells from the ovary
tube Carries the egg cells to uteri ( singular uterus)
3.Oviduct Receives and cares for developing foetus
4.Uterus Outlet from the uterus or womb. It is the
5.Vagina birth canal. Inlet for sperms in the female
during mating.

EVALUATION
1. What is reproduction?
2. Mention the two types of reproduction we have
3. State the female reproductive organs we have

Sub-Topic 2:
PUBERTY: This is the same as Adolescence. It is the age at which a boy or a girl reaches maturity
(grow into adult).There are series of signs when a boy or a girl grow into maturity. These are:

Girls Boys
1.Height: Girls tend to be taller than Height: Boys later catch up with girls
boys of the same age and may later overtake them.
2.The breast develop The voice ‘cracks’ and becomes deeper.
3.Hips becomes broader Shoulder becomes broader.
4.Hair grows in armpit and private Hair grows in the armpit and private
part part.
5.Menstruation begins/starts Semen discharge during sleep.

Male Reproductive System Female Reproductive System.

Sub-Topic 3: Secondary Sexual Characteristics

Secondary sexual characteristics are features that distinguish the two sexes of a species, but
that are not directly part of the reproductive system. In humans, secondary sexual
characteristics include:

 Male
o Growth of body hair, including underarm, abdominal, chest, and pubic hair. Loss of
scalp hair androgenic alopecia can also occur
o Greater mass of thigh muscles in front of the femur, rather than behind it as is typical in
mature females
o Growth of facial hair
o Enlargement of larynx (Adam's apple) and deepening of voice Increased stature; adult
males are taller than adult females, on average
o Heavier skull and bone structure
o Increased muscle mass and strength
o Larger hands and feet than women, prepubescent boys and girls
o Square face
o Small waist, but wider than females
o Broadening of shoulders and chest; shoulders wider than hips Increased secretions of oil
and sweat glands, often causing acne and body odor Coarsening or rigidity of skin
texture, due to less subcutaneous fat
o Higher waist-to-hip ratio than prepubescent or adult females or prepubescent males, on
average
o Enlargement growth of the penis

 Female
o Enlargement of breasts and erection of nipples. Growth of body hair, most prominently
underarm and pubic hair
o Greater development of thigh muscles behind the femur, rather than in front of it
o Widening of hips; lower waist to hip ratio than adult males, on average
o Smaller hands and feet than men
o Rounder face
o Smaller waist than men
o Increased secretions of oil and sweat glands, often causing acne and body odor
o Upper arms approximately 2 cm longer, on average, for a given height Changed
distribution in weight and fat; more subcutaneous fat and fat deposits mainly around the
buttocks, thighs and hips.

IMPORTANCE OF REPRODUCTION.

1. It creates next generation.

2. It maintains the unique identity of a species.

3. It creates variations in species.

4. New species facilitate evolution of organisms which is necessary for
survival as
environmental conditions keep on changing from time to time.

EVALUATION

1. What is Reproduction?

2. State the two types of Reproduction.

3. State four signs of puberty in girls.

4. Mention five signs of sexual characteristics in male.

5. Enumerate three importance of Reproduction.

WEEKEND READING ASSIGNMENT

Students are to read about ‘The Excretory System’ from (i) ‘Nigerian Basic
Science Project’ pages 60-62 and (ii) Basic Science (made easy) Book Two
pages 27-30.

WEEK: 9
JSS 2
TOPIC: EXCRETOTY SYSTEM
SUB-TOPIC
I. Meaning of Excretion
II. Excretory organs and their functions
III. Excretion and the need for it
IV. Excretory Products/Wastes
Sub-Topic I: Meaning of Excretion
Excretion is the process by which an organism gets rid of metabolic waste products from the
body. These waste products, if they are not removed, may be toxic and harmful to the body.
Excretion can also be defined as removal or elimination of substances absorbed by the intestine
that are not used for growth, repair or respiration. Removal of undigested food (faeces) is not
excretion, it is egestion. Excretion is the removal of Carbondioxide and water produced during
respiration.

EVALUATION
1. What is excretion?
2. Is excretion and egestion the same?

Sub-Topic 2: Excretory Organs and their Functions

The Excretory organs include: Kidneys, Skin, Lungs and Liver.
The Kidney: The kidney is the urinary system. Kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in
the abdominal region of the body. They help in removing urine from the body. Urine contains
96% water, 2% salt and 2% urea.

Functions of Kidney
1. It helps to remove the poisonous liquid wastes [urine] from the body
2. It purifies the body by removing toxic and harmful materials from the blood
3. It helps to regulate the amount of water and salt in the body.
The Skin: The skin is the external part of the body and protects the inner structures. The human
skin is made up of two layers, namely (i) The Epidermis: the very outer layer and (ii) The Dermis:
The inner layer otherwise called true skin.
FUNCTIONS OF THE SKIN
1. Skin protects the body from mechanical injury and bacterial infections
2. It helps in temperature regulation, that is, layer of fat under the skin act as insulator while
evaporation of sweat cools the body.
3. Skin act as a sense organ, that is, it contains sensory cells that makes one respond to the
stimuli of touch, pains, pressure, coldness or hotness.

The Lungs: Oxygen from the air breathed in is used during respiration by our body cells. The
waste gases such as carbon (iv) oxide and water vapour are sent out into atmosphere through the
lungs. The lungs excrete carbon (iv) oxide and water vapour which are by-products of
respiration. The lungs function both as respiratory and as excretory organ

The Liver: Liver, largest internal organ of the human body that performs more
than 500 different functions, all of which are essential to life. It’s essential
functions include helping the body to digest fats, storing reserves of
nutrients, filtering poisons and wastes from the blood, synthesizing a variety
of proteins, and regulating the levels of many chemicals found in the
bloodstream.

Functions of Liver
1. Liver helps in storing energy in form of glycogen
2. It produces bile for the digestion of lipids or fats
3. It helps in clearing toxic substances such as drugs and alcohol from the
blood stream
4. Vitamins are stored in the liver
5. Liver is the body’s chemical factory, that is, it produces several important
proteins found in the blood, globin and several other chemicals that help in
healing wound.

EVALUATION
1. Mention the four excretory organs we have
2. State the components of urine
3. Which of the organs is important? Support your answer with four reasons.

Sub-Topic 3: The Need for Excretion

Excretion is the removal of harmful waste products of metabolic activities from the human body.
If this process of excretion does not take place, wastes accumulate in the body and may poison or
destroy the body. The need for excretion includes the following:
i. It is necessary to remove toxic and harmful waste products from the body
ii. To maintain salt content of the body
iii. To remove excess water from the body

Sub-Topic 4: Excretory Products/Wastes

The waste products removed by different excretory organs in man include:

Excretory Organs Waste products

Kidney Urine
Skin Sweat(salt, water, urea)
Lungs Carbon(iv) oxide and water vapour
Liver Bile pigment

EVALUATION
1. State three reasons why excretion is needful.
2. List the organs of the body and their waste products.

READING ASSIGNMENT
Students are to read all the term’s E-Note in preparation for exams.