What is the term for the process of removing waste products from the body?

The term for the process of removing waste products from the body is excretion. This biological function is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and involves the elimination of metabolic waste substances that can be toxic if accumulated. Key organs involved in excretion include the kidneys, which filter blood to produce urine, as well as the liver, lungs, and skin, which also play roles in the removal of waste.

While metabolism refers to the set of life-sustaining chemical reactions that convert food into energy and other necessary substances, absorption is the process through which nutrients from food are taken up by the body. Respiration involves the exchange of gases, primarily oxygen and carbon dioxide, in the lungs and is essential for cellular energy production but does not directly involve waste removal as defined in excretion. Hence, excretion stands out as the correct term for the process of disposing of waste.