BIOLOGICAL CLOCK Meaning and
Definition
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The term "biological clock" refers to the internal mechanism that regulates the timing of biological processes and behaviors in living organisms, including humans. It encompasses the innate timing system that governs various physiological, biochemical, and behavioral rhythms, such as sleep-wake cycles, feeding patterns, hormone production, and reproductive functions, among others.
The biological clock is primarily controlled by a region of the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), located in the hypothalamus. This small cluster of cells synchronizes and coordinates the body's internal clock with the external environment, particularly the 24-hour light-dark cycle. The SCN receives input from light-sensing cells in the eyes, which help align the biological clock with the daily cycle of sunrise and sunset.
The biological clock influences numerous aspects of an organism's life, including its alertness, energy levels, mood, and overall well-being. When the biological clock is disrupted, such as through jet lag, shift work, or sleep disorders, individuals may experience a range of symptoms like sleep disturbances, fatigue, decreased concentration, and mood changes.
Understanding the biological clock's role is crucial in various fields, including medicine, biology, and psychology. Scientists explore its functions to develop treatments for disorders related to circadian rhythms, improve sleep patterns, enhance productivity, and optimize medication timing. Furthermore, knowledge about the biological clock aids in comprehending the impact of environmental factors on living organisms and provides insights into evolutionary adaptations and chronobiology research.
Common Misspellings for BIOLOGICAL CLOCK
- viological clock
- niological clock
- hiological clock
- giological clock
- buological clock
- bjological clock
- bkological clock
- boological clock
- b9ological clock
- b8ological clock
- biilogical clock
- biklogical clock
- billogical clock
- biplogical clock
- bi0logical clock
- bi9logical clock
- biokogical clock
- biopogical clock
- biooogical clock
Etymology of BIOLOGICAL CLOCK
The term "biological clock" originates from the combination of two separate concepts. The word "biological" refers to everything related to living organisms, while the term "clock" refers to a device that measures and indicates the passage of time.
The concept of the biological clock can be traced back to the early 20th century when it was initially used to describe the physiological processes that occur in living organisms according to certain rhythms or cycles. This usage was based on the analogy with a clock, which moves in a predictable and regular manner.
However, the specific meaning of "biological clock" as it relates to reproductive timing and fertility emerged later, in the late 1970s.
Idioms with the word BIOLOGICAL CLOCK
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biological clock is ticking
The idiom "biological clock is ticking" refers to the natural desire or instinct of a person, especially a woman, to have children before a certain age or within a specific timeframe due to physiological factors such as fertility and aging. It symbolizes the awareness and urgency individuals may feel to start a family.
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sb's biological clock is ticking (away)
The idiom "sb's biological clock is ticking (away)" is used to refer to the pressure or awareness someone feels about the natural desire or need to have a child or start a family before it becomes significantly more challenging or impossible due to age or biological factors. It implies that time is passing and the person feels an increasing urgency to fulfill their reproductive aspirations.
Similar spelling words for BIOLOGICAL CLOCK
- biological defense,
- biological time,
- biological weapon,
- biological science,
- biological attack,
- biological process,
- biological agent,
- biological group,
- biologic attack,
- biological warfare,
- biological research,
- biological defence.
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