What is the difference between el and ell?

Could you please clarify the distinction between "el" and "ell" for me? As I understand, both terms are often encountered in the realm of language and linguistics, but I'm unsure of the specific nuances that set them apart. Is "el" perhaps a contraction or abbreviation of a longer word, while "ell" stands on its own as a distinct entity? Alternatively, might they represent different grammatical elements or serve differing purposes within a sentence? I'm eager to gain a deeper understanding of these terms and how they are used in various contexts.