Designation for the dried, powdered, and strongly scented secretion from the hairy musk pouch (gland between the navel and penis) of the male musk animal (musk deer). The term derives from the Latin "muscus", Greek "moschos", or ancient Indian "muskah" (testicle). The substance has structural similarities to Pheromone (sexual scent substances), which is why it is also said to have an Aphrodisiakum effect. As a component of perfumes, the scent of musk is said to combine an "animalisch" and a "radiant-sweet" fragrance note. The "animal element" conveys warmth to humans, thus evoking feelings of safety and sexual attraction.

1 = Musk pouch, 2 = Siberian musk animal, 3 = Musk-parfümiert, 4 = Musk mallow
Mainly responsible for the slightly süß, animalistic aroma is the oily substance Muscon. The term "musk" is also used for glandular secretions of other animals (musk ox, musk beetle, muskrat, musk duck) and plant juices (from musk flower, musk mallow) with similar scents, although these...
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Technischer Lehrer, staatl. geprüfter Sommelier, Hotelfachschule Heidelberg