For advanced learners: sophisticated medical vocabulary covering physiology, psychology, pharmacology, and holistic health concepts.
Free Body & Health vocabulary flashcards at the C1 level — all 35 words with definitions and examples. Study them with spaced repetition and use these words precisely, including nuance most learners miss.
Browse the full word list below for free. Sign up to study the set with spaced repetition — Budling schedules reviews so the words you know less well come back sooner.
circadian rhythm
the natural internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle over a 24-hour period
innate
existing in a person from birth rather than being learned or acquired
hereditary
describing a condition or trait passed down through genes from parent to child
pharmaceutical
relating to the preparation, development, and use of medicinal drugs
resilience
the capacity of the body or mind to recover quickly and adapt after stress, illness, or adversity
holistic
treating the whole person — body, mind, and social environment — rather than just the physical symptoms
cognitive
relating to mental processes such as thinking, memory, attention, and problem-solving
homeostasis
the body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions such as temperature and blood sugar despite external changes
cortisol
a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress that regulates energy and immune function
placebo effect
an improvement in a patient's condition caused by their belief in the treatment rather than its active ingredients
microbiome
the vast community of microorganisms, mainly bacteria, living in the gut that influence digestion, immunity, and mood
autoimmune
describing a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy cells
psychosomatic
describing a physical symptom or illness that is caused or significantly worsened by mental or emotional factors
adrenaline
a hormone released during stress or danger that speeds up the heart and prepares the body for rapid action
serotonin
a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, sleep, and feelings of wellbeing in the brain
atrophy
the wasting away or shrinking of a body part or tissue due to lack of use or poor nutrition
palliative
relating to care or treatment that relieves pain and improves comfort without curing the underlying disease
predisposition
a tendency to develop a particular condition because of genetic or environmental factors
desensitise
to gradually reduce an overactive response of the immune system or nervous system to a specific trigger
visceral
relating to the internal organs of the body, especially those in the abdominal cavity
somatic
relating to the body as distinct from the mind, especially when describing physical sensations or disorders
catharsis
the release of pent-up emotional tension or distress, often leading to a sense of relief and improved mental wellbeing
recuperate
to gradually get better and regain strength after being ill or injured
susceptible
describing someone who is more likely than others to be affected by an illness or condition
stamina
the physical or mental energy needed to keep doing something difficult for a long time
vitality
the state of feeling full of energy and being physically strong
robust
describing someone or something that is strong and not easily made weak by illness
frailty
the state of being physically weak, especially because of old age or illness
debilitating
describing something that makes a person very weak, often for a long time
exertion
physical or mental effort that tires the body or mind
malaise
a general feeling of being unwell or unhappy without any clear cause
ailment
a minor illness or health problem that is usually not serious
strain
an injury to a muscle caused by overusing it or moving it suddenly
afflict
to cause someone pain, illness, or difficulty over a period of time
indisposed
describing someone who is unable to do something because they feel slightly unwell