Difference Between Excretion and Secretion
Excretion vs Secretion
In body processes, we may encounter words that are quite similar in definition. We may often use these interchangeably. Not until we know the definitions, will we be able to use these words correctly. In this article, we shall tackle two of the common words that are used interchangeably.
Two of these words that we commonly exchange in usage are “excretion” and “secretion.” Let us examine the differences.
“Secretion” and “excretion” are the same in nature since both are involved in the passage or movement of materials. These words and body processes are needed in order to control and maintain homeostasis in the body. Both processes move and eliminate unwanted components in the body.
To further elaborate on these two processes, let us define both. “Excretion” is the removal of material from a living thing while “secretion” is the movement of material from one point to another. So, to think of it, secretion is active while excretion is passive in nature. For an example of excretion, humans excrete such materials as tears, feces, urine, carbon dioxide, and sweat while secretion, on the other hand, includes enzymes, hormones, or saliva. So, as we can see, excretion is mostly body wastes while secretion is important materials that can be metabolized and used by our bodies.
Regarding the organs that use secretion and excretion, both can also differ. Examples of organs of excretion are the rectum for feces, lungs for carbon dioxide, tear ducts for tears, and skin for sweat. Secretion, on the other hand, involves organs and body parts responsible for the secretion of important substances such as digestive glands: salivary glands, pancreas, liver, gallbladder. Endocrine glands: pituitary glands, thyroid glands, ovaries, testes which secrete hormones that are important for metabolism and bodily functions.
After knowing the major and minor differences of “excretion” and “secretion,” we can conclude that these words are have so many differences that we will be able to use them correctly and precisely in the near future.
Summary:
1. “Secretion” and “excretion” are the same in nature since both are involved in the passage or movement of materials.
2. “Excretion” is the removal of material from a living thing while “secretion” is the movement of material from one point to another.
3. Excretion is mostly body wastes while secretion is important materials that can be metabolized and used by our bodies.
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I’m surprised that you didn’t include breast milk in your examples.
I’m surprised it took you until the fourth paragraph before you even answered the question you posed in the title of the piece. If you are being paid by the word, congratulations.
Jonathan, don’t be a dick.
So, is the breast milk an excretion?
Sweat is secreted, not excreted. It serves a purpose and therefore is secreted
Poop also serves a purpose. Sweat is produced by a gland, so maybe it’s a secretion, but it doesn’t go anywhere useful (the passage), so I reckon its excrement.
It’s about what it DOES, not where it GOES. Sweat cools the body. Poop is just waste.
Yeah I wasn’t a big fan of this explanation, because it focuses on the differences between the words so much that it almost ignores the overlap in definition. Excretion and Secretion are NOT mutually exclusive, i.e. Excretions are a type of Secretion, but not all Secretions are Excretions.
I just read a few research articles involving sweat and they usually refer to it as a Secretion. Probably because it’s still serving a purpose which is benefiting the body, but I can’t say for sure.
I found this little pdf was much more clear: http://mrsstovel.pbworks.com/f/Excretion+Versus+Secretion+%281+ds+page%29.pdf
Here’s a quick example of a research article involving sweat secretion: http://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622%2889%2970063-3/abstract?cc=y=.
Thanks a lot. The post is really awesome and easy to comprehend.
Thank you. Such an useful artical!
Thanks for the info