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ACT Science - Neurology and Blood Biochemistry

Here you will learn some English words related to neurology and blood biochemistry, like "leptin", "ghrelin", "synapse", etc. that will help you ace your ACTs.

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ACT Vocabulary for Science
neurogenesis

the process by which new neurons are generated in the brain, occurring primarily during prenatal development but also continuing into adulthood in certain brain regions

Ex: Physical exercise has been shown to enhance neurogenesis in the hippocampus, a brain region important for learning and memory. 
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synesthesia

a neurological phenomenon where stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway

Ex: In synesthesia, hearing music may evoke the perception of colors or shapes. 
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sensation
sensation
[noun]

a physical perception caused by an outside stimulus or something being in touch with the body

Ex: The cold water created a tingling sensation on her skin. 
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neuron
neuron
[noun]

a cell that is responsible for transmitting nerve impulses between the brain and the rest of the body

Ex: Neurons transmit signals at speeds of up to 120 meters per second. 
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white matter

the tissue in the central nervous system composed of myelinated nerve fibers

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parietal cortex

the outer layer of neural tissue in the parietal lobe involved in sensory processing and spatial awareness

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short-term memory

the temporary storage of information that is currently being used or actively processed by the brain, typically for a few seconds to a few minutes

Ex: Short-term memory allows us to remember a phone number long enough to dial it. 
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neurotransmitter

a chemical substance that transmits messages from a neuron to another one or to a muscle

Ex: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. 
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hippocampus

a curved structure in the brain responsible for memory formation, learning, and spatial navigationa curved structure in the brain responsible for memory formation, learning, and spatial navigation

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neuroscientist

a scientist who studies the structure, function, and disorders of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord

Ex: The neuroscientist conducted experiments to investigate the effects of dopamine on decision-making. 
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synapse
synapse
[noun]

a junction between two nerve cells, consisting of a minute gap across which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter

Ex: Neurotransmitters released into the synapse bind to receptors on the receiving neuron, facilitating the transmission of nerve impulses. 
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connectome

a comprehensive map or diagram that depicts the complete set of neural connections within a nervous system

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parasympathetic
parasympathetic
[Adjective]

relating to the part of the nervous system that promotes relaxation and digestion in the body

Ex: Chronic stress can impair parasympathetic function, contributing to health issues like digestive problems and insomnia. 
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neurosis
neurosis
[noun]

a mental condition that is not caused by organic disease in which one is constantly anxious, worried, and stressed

Ex: Neurosis often manifests as chronic anxiety, obsessive behaviors, or phobias that interfere with daily functioning. 
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autonomic
autonomic
[Adjective]

relating to bodily functions that occur automatically, without conscious effort or control

Ex: Sweating is an autonomic response to regulate body temperature. 
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endocrinology

the branch of medicine and physiology dealing with the endocrine system that controls the hormones in one's body

Ex: Endocrinology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the study and treatment of hormone-related disorders. 
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melatonin
melatonin
[noun]

a hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles and promotes restful sleep

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ghrelin
ghrelin
[noun]

a hormone produced mainly by the stomach that stimulates appetite and regulates hunger

Ex: Ghrelin levels typically rise before meals, signaling the body's need for food. 
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leptin
leptin
[noun]

a hormone produced primarily by fat cells that helps regulate energy balance by inhibiting hunger and promoting feelings of fullness

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estrogen
estrogen
[noun]

a hormone primarily responsible for female reproductive development and regulation

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serotonin
serotonin
[noun]

a neurotransmitter primarily found in the brain and gastrointestinal tract that plays a key role in mood regulation, appetite, sleep, and various physiological functions

Ex: Serotonin levels are often associated with feelings of well-being and happiness. 
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norepinephrine

a hormone and neurotransmitter that regulates the body's stress response

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histamine
histamine
[noun]

a compound released by cells in response to injury, allergy, or immune reactions, causing inflammation, itching, and other allergy symptoms

Ex: Antihistamines are commonly used to relieve symptoms of allergic reactions by blocking histamine receptors. 
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lipoprotein

a biochemical assembly that transports fats in the bloodstream, composed of proteins and lipids

Ex: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is often referred to as "good cholesterol" because it helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream. 
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biomarker
biomarker
[noun]

a biological indicator found in blood that can be measured and evaluated to indicate a particular physiological or pathological condition, or the response to treatment

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amino acid

any organic compound that creates the basic structure of proteins

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acidosis
acidosis
[noun]

a medical condition characterized by an excess of acid in the blood and body tissues, resulting in a lower pH than normal

Ex: Diabetic ketoacidosis is a severe form of acidosis that can occur in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes. 
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alkalosis
alkalosis
[noun]

a medical condition characterized by an excess of base or alkali in the blood and body tissues, resulting in a higher pH than normal

Ex: Respiratory alkalosis can occur when there is hyperventilation, leading to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. 
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inhibitory
inhibitory
[Adjective]

having the ability to restrain, limit, or suppress activity or function

Ex: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate neural activity in the brain. 
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hemoglobin

a protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells

Ex: Iron-rich foods support hemoglobin levels. 
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cytokine
cytokine
[noun]

a small protein that regulates immune responses and cell communication in the human body

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