Secretions Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งช
secretions
[sษชหkriหสษnz ]
Definition
biological substance
Secretions refer to substances that are produced and discharged by cells or glands in the body. These substances can be fluids, hormones, or enzymes that play crucial roles in various physiological processes, including digestion and communication between cells.
Synonyms
discharges, excretions, fluids.
Examples of usage
- The pancreas produces insulin as a secretion.
- Salivary secretions aid in digestion.
- Hormonal secretions regulate bodily functions.
Translations
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Origin of 'secretions'
The word 'secretion' originates from the Latin term 'secretionem', which means 'to separate'. It combines the prefix 'se-', meaning 'apart', and 'creare', meaning 'to produce or create'. The concept of secretion has been used in biological contexts since the early 19th century to describe the processes by which substances are produced and released by cells or glands. In medical and biological literature, it has evolved to encompass a wide range of substances, from hormones to digestive fluids. Over time, the understanding of secretions has expanded alongside advancements in biology and medicine, highlighting their roles in maintaining homeostasis and facilitating bodily functions.