Musk is a strong-smelling substance originally obtained from the gland of the male musk deer, known as Moschus moschiferus. It has been used for centuries in perfumes and traditional medicine due to its unique scent and fixative properties. Today, most musk used in fragrances is synthetic, created to mimic the natural aroma without harming animals. In addition to its use in perfumery, musk has applications in the food industry and traditional medicine. It is sometimes used as a flavoring agent and is believed to have various health benefits in some cultures. However, the ethical concerns surrounding the harvesting of natural musk have led to increased use of synthetic alternatives.