BIOLOGIC CLOCKS Meaning and
Definition
-
Biologic clocks, also known as biological clocks or circadian clocks, refer to the internal timing mechanisms that regulate various physiological processes in living organisms. These clocks play a vital role in coordinating essential functions, including sleep-wake cycles, hormone production, metabolism, and cell regeneration, among others.
Biologic clocks are primarily influenced by environmental cues, most notably the daily light-dark cycle. The master clock, located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the brain's hypothalamus, receives signals from light-sensitive cells in the retina and synchronizes the body's internal rhythms with the external environment. It functions by controlling the secretion of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep.
In addition to the master clock, many peripheral tissues and organs possess their own biological clocks, known as peripheral oscillators. These oscillators coordinate local processes to optimize function and minimize disruption caused by external changes. However, their behavior is influenced by the master clock to maintain coherence and consistent timing throughout the body.
Disruptions to the biologic clock can have significant implications on an individual's health and well-being. Disturbances such as shift work, jet lag, and sleep disorders can lead to circadian misalignment, potentially contributing to various health problems, including impaired cognitive function, metabolic disorders, mood disorders, and increased risk of chronic diseases.
Understanding the intricate workings of biologic clocks enables scientists and healthcare professionals to develop strategies for optimizing circadian rhythms, like promoting healthy sleep patterns, managing light exposure, and leveraging chronotherapy techniques to improve treatment outcomes for various health conditions.
Common Misspellings for BIOLOGIC CLOCKS
- viologic clocks
- niologic clocks
- hiologic clocks
- giologic clocks
- buologic clocks
- bjologic clocks
- bkologic clocks
- boologic clocks
- b9ologic clocks
- b8ologic clocks
- biilogic clocks
- biklogic clocks
- billogic clocks
- biplogic clocks
- bi0logic clocks
- bi9logic clocks
- biokogic clocks
- biopogic clocks
- biooogic clocks
- bioligic clocks
Etymology of BIOLOGIC CLOCKS
The term "biologic clocks" is derived from the combination of two words: "biologic" and "clocks".
- "Biologic" is derived from the Greek word "bios", meaning life, and the Greek suffix "-logia", meaning study or discourse. It refers to anything related to biology, the scientific study of living organisms.
- "Clocks" originate from the Middle Dutch word "clocke" and the Old North French word "cloque", both meaning bell or clock. The term "clocks" refers to devices or mechanisms used for measuring and indicating time.
When combined, "biologic clocks" refers to the concept of internal biological mechanisms or rhythms that regulate various physiological processes in living organisms, such as sleep-wake cycles or reproductive cycles, operating on a specific timeframe similar to a clock.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
