What is the process called that involves discharging waste matter from the body?

The process of discharging waste matter from the body is known as excretion. This biological function is vital for maintaining homeostasis and protecting the body from harmful substances. Excretion involves the removal of metabolic wastes, such as urea and carbon dioxide, produced during cellular respiration and other metabolic processes. Organs such as the kidneys, lungs, and skin play crucial roles in this process.

Digestion, on the other hand, refers to the breakdown of food into smaller components that can be absorbed into the bloodstream, while absorption is the process of taking those nutrients into the body's cells. Secretion involves the release of substances like hormones or enzymes into the body but does not pertain to the elimination of waste. Understanding these definitions helps clarify how excretion fits within the broader context of biological processes that sustain life.