Definition

A hormone made in the small intestine that helps control the release of digestive juices from the pancreas and liver when food enters the stomach.

Example

Secretin is released when acidic food enters the duodenum to help with digestion.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of secretin?

Yeah, isn’t it something to do with digestion?

Exactly! It helps stimulate the pancreas, right?

Right, it's amazing how our body works with those hormones.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Secretin is derived from the Latin root "secretus" (meaning to separate or set apart) combined with the suffix "-in" (used in biochemistry to denote substances, particularly proteins or hormones). The word 'secretin' refers to a hormone that is secreted by the intestine, thus relating to its function of separating and regulating digestive processes.

Memory Tip

Think of 'secretus' meaning to 'separate' — secretin is a substance that helps separate and regulate digestion.

Visually Confused Words