Neurology and Blood Biochemistry: English Vocabulary List

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

"New neurons form through neurogenesis."

"Neurogenesis is the birth of new neurons in the brain."

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

"She experiences synesthesia."

"A person with synesthesia might see the color blue whenever they hear the sound of a piano playing a specific note."

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

"A neuron sends signals to the brain."

"Each neuron in the human brain can form thousands of connections with other cells, creating an incredibly complex network."

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

"White matter connects regions."

"White matter in the brain consists of nerve fibers covered in myelin which helps signals travel quickly between different brain regions."

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

"Parietal cortex processes touch."

"The parietal cortex integrates sensory information."

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

"Short-term memory holds recent information."

"Short-term memory holds information for about 20-30 seconds."

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

"Dopamine is a neurotransmitter."

"Neurotransmitters carry signals between neurons."

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

"A neuroscientist studies the brain."

"The neuroscientist used functional MRI scans to see which parts of the brain were active when volunteers listened to their favorite music."

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

"Synapse sends nerve signals."

"Neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft at the synapse to transmit signals."

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

"The brain connectome."

"The connectome maps all neural connections in the brain."

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

"The system is parasympathetic."

"The parasympathetic nervous system helps the body rest and digest by slowing the heart rate and increasing intestinal activity."

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

"Neurosis causes constant anxiety."

"Neurosis is a mental condition characterized by constant anxiety, worry, and stress, but without a loss of contact with reality."

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

"Breathing is autonomic."

"The autonomic nervous system controls essential functions like heart rate and digestion without our conscious thought."

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

"Endocrinology focuses on hormones and glands."

"Endocrinologists specialize in the endocrine system diagnosing and treating hormone related disorders like diabetes thyroid disease and growth abnormalities that affect patients throughout their lives."

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

"Melatonin helps us sleep."

"Melatonin levels rise at night to promote sleep."

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

"Ghrelin makes you hungry."

"Ghrelin is known as the hunger hormone."

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

"Leptin signals you are full."

"Leptin helps regulate long-term energy balance."

a hormone primarily responsible for female reproductive development and regulation

"Estrogen is a female hormone."

"Estrogen plays a key role in female reproductive development."

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

"Serotonin impacts mood."

"Low serotonin levels are linked to depression."

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

"Norepinephrine causes alertness."

"Norepinephrine is involved in fight-or-flight response."

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

"Histamine causes itching."

"Histamine triggers inflammation during allergic reactions."

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

"Lipoprotein carries fats."

"Lipoproteins transport cholesterol through the bloodstream to cells throughout the body."

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

"PSA is a biomarker."

"The presence of certain biomarkers in blood can indicate the early stages of cancer."

any organic compound that creates the basic structure of proteins

"Amino acid builds proteins."

"Each protein is constructed from a specific sequence of various amino acids."

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

"Acidosis lowers blood pH."

"Diabetic patients sometimes develop dangerous acidosis quickly."

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

"Alkalosis raises blood pH."

"Severe vomiting can cause alkalosis in patients."

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

"The drug is inhibitory."

"The inhibitory neurotransmitter reduces the activity of the receiving neuron and it helps prevent excessive firing that could cause seizures."

a protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells

"Hemoglobin carries oxygen."

"Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it to tissues throughout the body."

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

"Cytokines signal immune cells."

"Cytokines are signaling molecules of the immune system."

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

"Touch creates a sensation."

"The burning sensation in his chest was caused by acid reflux not a heart attack as the doctor confirmed after running some tests."

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

"The hippocampus is vital."

"The hippocampus plays a key role in forming new memories."