tectin (secretion) tectin (secretion) tectin is an organic substance secreted by certain ciliates. tectin may form an adhesive stalk, disc or other sticky secretion. tectin may also form a gelatinous envelope or membrane enclosing some ciliates as a protective capsule or lorica. tectin is also called pseudochitin. granules or rods (called protrichocysts) in the pellicle of some ciliates are also thought to be involved in tectin secretion.