– The Body Clock –
The circadian rhythm, an inherent biological function in humans, plays an instrumental role in our overall health and well-being. This internal clock, which operates on an approximately 24-hour cycle, regulates various physiological processes such as sleep, feeding, hormone production, and cell regeneration.
Originating from the Latin words “circa diem”, meaning “around a day”, the circadian rhythm is influenced by external cues like light and temperature. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), a group of cells in the brain’s hypothalamus, functions as the master clock, synchronizing the body’s circadian rhythms based on these environmental signals.
A well-regulated circadian rhythm promotes optimal sleep quality and other biological functions, whereas a disrupted rhythm can lead to sleep disorders, obesity, depression, and other health issues. Modern lifestyle habits, including prolonged screen time and irregular sleep schedules, often disrupt our circadian rhythms, underscoring the importance of maintaining a consistent sleep-wake cycle for optimal health. Advances in the study of circadian rhythms have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of human health and disease.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO words from the text for each answer.
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| Choose NO MORE THAN ONE word from the text for each answer.
The circadian rhythm, a natural ______ within humans, plays a pivotal role in our health. Operating on a near 24-hour cycle, it controls diverse bodily processes, including sleep, feeding, hormone ______, and cell renewal. Influenced by external factors such as light and temperature, the master ______ in the brain’s hypothalamus, known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus, aligns the body’s circadian rhythms. An unbalanced circadian rhythm can result in sleep disorders, obesity, depression, and other health ______. Modern habits, such as extended screen time and inconsistent sleep schedules, often ______ these rhythms, emphasizing the importance of a regular sleep-wake cycle. |
Vocabulary Builder
- Find the synonyms (words with the same or similar meaning) to these 9 words from the original passage.
| Original Word | Variants Used |
|---|---|
| circadian rhythm | ____________ / ______________ |
| regulates | ____________ / ______________ |
| environmental cues | __________________________ |
| suprachiasmatic nucleus | __________________________ |
| health | __________________________ |
| disrupted | ____________ / ______________ |
| health complications | __________________________ |
| lifestyle habits | __________________________ |
| interfere with | __________________________ |
