Secret

Secretion is a process by which substances are produced and discharged from a cell, gland, or organ for a particular function in the organism or for excretion. It is derived from the Latin word secretus which means "set apart". The process of secretion includes the production of a substance by its cells and the movement of the substance out of the cell or gland and into the bodily fluids for distribution.

Types of Secretion

There are two main types of secretion: exocrine and endocrine.

Exocrine Secretion

Exocrine secretion involves the release of substances through a duct. These substances include sweat, saliva, and digestive enzymes. The glands involved in exocrine secretion include the sweat gland, salivary gland, and pancreas.

Endocrine Secretion

Endocrine secretion involves the release of hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones are then transported to the target cells or organs. The glands involved in endocrine secretion include the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, and adrenal gland.

Mechanism of Secretion

The mechanism of secretion involves a series of steps. First, the substance to be secreted is produced by the cell. This substance is then packaged into vesicles. The vesicles move towards the cell membrane, where they fuse with the membrane and release their contents into the extracellular space.

Role in the Body

Secretion plays a crucial role in the body. It helps in digestion, regulates body temperature, and maintains homeostasis. It also plays a role in communication between cells and organs.

See Also

• Exocytosis
• Hormone
• Gland

Secret Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia