internal secretion
C1Technical/Scientific (Endocrinology, Biology, Medicine)
Definition
Meaning
A substance (hormone) produced by an endocrine gland and released directly into the bloodstream or surrounding tissues to regulate bodily functions.
The process or function of secreting hormones internally; by extension, can refer to the hormone itself or the entire endocrine system.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This term is largely historical and synonymous with 'hormone'. In modern technical contexts, 'hormone' is preferred. 'Internal secretion' emphasizes the mode of release (directly into the bloodstream without a duct) as opposed to 'external secretion' (exocrine).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is equally specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly archaic/technical historical term in both varieties. It may evoke early 20th-century medical literature.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Used primarily in historical medical texts or when explaining the concept of endocrine function. 'Hormone' is overwhelmingly more common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [endocrine gland] produces an internal secretion.An imbalance in internal secretion can lead to [disease].Early endocrinology focused on the study of internal secretions.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical contexts within medical or biological history papers; modern endocrinology papers use 'hormone'.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation. A layperson would say 'hormone'.
Technical
The primary domain. Used to define or contrast with exocrine systems, or in historical overviews of endocrinology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The internal-secretion glands were the focus of the study.
- He had an internal-secretion disorder.
American English
- The internal secretion glands were the focus of the study.
- He had an internal secretion disorder.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The doctor said the problem was with his hormones.
- Adrenaline is a hormone that helps in emergencies.
- The endocrine system works by releasing hormones directly into the bloodstream.
- An imbalance in hormone levels can affect your mood and energy.
- The early 20th-century concept of 'internal secretion' was pivotal in establishing the field of endocrinology.
- Unlike exocrine glands, those responsible for internal secretion have no ducts and release their products directly into the capillaries.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think INTERNAL = inside the body, SECRETION = a substance released. So, it's a substance released *inside* the body (into the blood), not out through a duct like sweat.
Conceptual Metaphor
The body as a chemical factory with internal delivery systems (bloodstream as a postal service for hormones).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate word-for-word as 'внутренняя секреция' in modern contexts—it sounds archaic. Use 'гормон' (hormone) or 'эндокринная секреция'. The Russian phrase is a direct calque but is dated.
- Confusing it with 'внутренняя секреторная деятельность' (internal secretory activity), which is a broader process.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'internal secretion' in everyday conversation instead of 'hormone'.
- Confusing it with 'enzyme' or other biochemicals.
- Incorrectly using it as a countable noun in plural form for a single hormone type (e.g., 'insulin is an internal secretion' is correct; 'insulin is internal secretions' is incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
Which term has largely replaced 'internal secretion' in modern medical language?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, essentially. 'Internal secretion' is the older, descriptive term for what we now almost exclusively call a hormone. 'Hormone' is the standard modern term.
It is called 'internal' because the substance (hormone) is secreted directly into the bloodstream or tissue fluid inside the body, as opposed to 'external' secretions (like sweat or digestive enzymes) which are released to the outside of the body or into a duct leading to an external surface.
You would most likely encounter it in historical texts about medicine, in the formal names of some old medical societies, or in textbooks when introducing the historical development of endocrinology. It is not used in contemporary clinical practice or general science communication.
Yes, but carefully. You can refer to 'an internal secretion' (meaning a specific hormone) or 'internal secretions' (meaning hormones collectively). However, it is more common and natural to say 'a hormone' and 'hormones'.