Eritystä

Eritystä is a Finnish term that translates to "secretion" in English. It refers to the process by which glands and cells produce and release substances that perform specific functions within the body or are expelled from the body. These substances, known as secretions, can be diverse in their composition and purpose.

There are various types of secretions in the human body. For example, exocrine secretions are released through ducts onto epithelial surfaces. This category includes saliva from salivary glands, sweat from sweat glands, mucus from goblet cells, and digestive enzymes from the pancreas and stomach lining. These secretions play roles in lubrication, protection, digestion, and thermoregulation.

Endocrine secretions, on the other hand, are hormones released directly into the bloodstream. Glands like the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands produce hormones that travel throughout the body to regulate a wide range of physiological processes, including growth, metabolism, and mood.

Other bodily fluids can also be considered secretions, depending on their origin and function. Tears, for instance, are secreted by the lacrimal glands to lubricate and protect the eyes. Earwax, produced by ceruminous glands in the ear canal, serves to trap debris and repel insects. The study of secretions and the glands that produce them is a significant area within biology and medicine.