Canadian Medical Guide > Anatomy > Fluids and Secretions > Bodily Secretions Terms and Definitions

Bodily Secretions

Medical Definition:	Endogenous substances produced through the activity of intact cells of glands, tissues, or organs. They do not include hormones or enzymes.
Guide Notes:	avoid: too general; prefer specific secretion or Cat A & D terms with /secret
Previously Indexed:	specific organ/secretion (1966-1997),specific secretions (1966-1997),specific substance/secretion (1966-1997)

Bodily Secretions Categories.

	Bile - An emulsifying agent produced in the LIVER and secreted into the DUODENUM. Its composition includes BILE ACIDS AND SALTS; CHOLESTEROL; and ELECTROLYTES. It aids DIGESTION of fats in the duodenum.
	Cerumen - The yellow or brown waxy secretions produced by vestigial apocrine sweat glands in the external ear canal.
	Colostrum - The thin, yellow, serous fluid secreted by the mammary glands during pregnancy and immediately postpartum before lactation begins. It consists of immunologically active substances, white blood cells, water, protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
	Gastric Juice - The liquid secretion of the stomach mucosa consisting of hydrochloric acid (GASTRIC ACID); PEPSINOGENS; INTRINSIC FACTOR; GASTRIN; MUCUS; and the bicarbonate ion (BICARBONATES). (From Best & Taylor's Physiological Basis of Medical Practice, 12th ed, p651)
	Intestinal Secretions
	Milk - The white liquid secreted by the mammary glands. It contains proteins, sugar, lipids, vitamins, and minerals.
	Milk, Human
	Mucus - The viscous secretion of mucous membranes. It contains mucin, white blood cells, water, inorganic salts, and exfoliated cells.
	Pancreatic Juice - The fluid containing digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas in response to food in the duodenum.
	Saliva - The clear, viscous fluid secreted by the SALIVARY GLANDS and mucous glands of the mouth. It contains MUCINS, water, organic salts, and ptylin.
	Sebum - The oily substance secreted by SEBACEOUS GLANDS. It is composed of KERATIN, fat, and cellular debris.
	Semen - The thick, yellowish-white, viscid fluid secretion of male reproductive organs discharged upon ejaculation. In addition to reproductive organ secretions, it contains SPERMATOZOA and their nutrient plasma.
	Smegma - A foul-smelling accumulation of SEBUM and desquaminated epidermal cells, especially the cheesy substance found under the foreskin of the penis and at the base of the labia minor near the clitoris.
	Sputum - Material coughed up from the lungs and expectorated via the mouth. It contains MUCUS, cellular debris, and microorganisms. It may also contain blood or pus.
	Sweat - The fluid excreted by the SWEAT GLANDS. It consists of water containing sodium chloride, phosphate, urea, ammonia, and other waste products.
	Tears - The fluid secreted by the lacrimal glands. This fluid moistens the CONJUNCTIVA and CORNEA.
	Venoms - Poisonous animal secretions forming fluid mixtures of many different enzymes, toxins, and other substances. These substances are produced in specialized glands and secreted through specialized delivery systems (nematocysts, spines, fangs, etc.) for disabling prey or predator.
	Vernix Caseosa - An unctuous substance composed of sebum and desquamated epithelial cells, which covers the skin of the fetus.

Bodily Secretions Medical Definitions and Terms

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