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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: Neurogenesis in the olfactory system allows for the continuous replenishment of neurons involved in smell perception.
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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: Synesthesia can manifest in various forms, such as associating numbers with specific colors.
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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 sensation of the soft sand beneath her feet was relaxing .
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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: Learning and memory depend on the ability of neurons to form new connections .
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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 is essential for completing tasks that require immediate recall of instructions or details .
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neurotransmitter

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

Ex: Neurotransmitters transmit signals from one neuron to another across synapses .
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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: Many neuroscientists collaborate across disciplines to unravel the complexities of brain development .
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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: Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a phenomenon occurring at synapses, associated with the strengthening of synaptic connections and learning and memory.
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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: Certain meditation techniques can enhance parasympathetic function , reducing stress levels .
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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: Symptoms of neurosis can include persistent feelings of sadness , irritability , and fear , often without a clear or rational cause .
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autonomic
autonomic
[Adjective]

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

Ex: The fight-or-flight response is an example of an autonomic reaction to perceived threat .
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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: A career in endocrinology requires a deep understanding of the endocrine system , including glands like the pituitary , thyroid , and pancreas .
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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 decrease after eating, contributing to the feeling of satiety and reduced hunger.
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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 imbalance can contribute to mood disorders such as depression or anxiety .
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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: Allergies trigger the release of histamine, causing symptoms like sneezing and watery eyes .
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lipoprotein

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

Ex: Research shows that diet and lifestyle changes can affect lipoprotein levels and overall heart health.
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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: Treatment for acidosis focuses on correcting the underlying cause and restoring acid-base balance in the body .
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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: Treatment for alkalosis focuses on addressing the underlying cause and restoring acid-base balance in the body .
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inhibitory
inhibitory
[Adjective]

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

Ex: The brain 's inhibitory processes prevent sensory overload by filtering out unnecessary information .
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hemoglobin

a protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells

Ex: Anemia results from insufficient hemoglobin.
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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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