A general term used to describe the products of glands in animals and plants. Glands such as the thyroid, testes, ovaries, adrenals, pituitary synthesize hormones which they excrete into the bloodstream. These are endocrine glands. Other glands include sweat, prostate, lachrymal, and Bartholin's glands. These are exocrine glands which excrete their products into places other than the bloodstream. The pancreas and stomach are unusual in that their secretions contain both endocrine (insulin) and exocrine (digestive) hormones.
The word is also used loosely to describe mucous-like substances which are transudates or exudates. These are substances derived from fluid in the tissues and which are driven across a membrane e.g. vaginal wall by a pressure gradient - usually blood pressure but could be osmotic.
Secretions may become profuse during illness e.g. common cold as the body attempts to wash away the infective agent.
The word is also used loosely to describe mucous-like substances which are transudates or exudates. These are substances derived from fluid in the tissues and which are driven across a membrane e.g. vaginal wall by a pressure gradient - usually blood pressure but could be osmotic.
Secretions may become profuse during illness e.g. common cold as the body attempts to wash away the infective agent.
by O'Flagherty December 29, 2008
Get the secretionmug. by Azure Dragon February 10, 2010
Get the Secretmug. by asddsa June 6, 2010
Get the Secretmug. Something you tell to a small number of people in hopes it will stay that way, in reality it is all for naught, everyone is going to know by tomorrow anyway.
I heard it from him, who was told by her who said she heard it from... but don't tell, it's a secret!
by Catty Reese May 3, 2006
Get the secretmug. Secrets are those words that can destroy all happiness. It is something that can never be repeated. No matter how much you trust that person, once they find out one of your secrets, be prepared to be back-stabbed.
by Crystals October 20, 2012
Get the Secretsmug. by angiepants December 13, 2004
Get the secretmug.