The master biological clock in the brain, scientifically identified as the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, which synchronizes the body’s internal 24-hour rhythms. This central regulator dictates the precise timing of numerous physiological processes, including sleep-wake cycles, body temperature fluctuations, and the pulsatile secretion of nearly all endocrine hormones. Maintaining its integrity is vital for metabolic and hormonal homeostasis.
Origin
The term ‘circadian’ comes from the Latin ‘circa’ (about) and ‘diem’ (a day), describing the approximately 24-hour cycle inherent to life. The concept of a ‘pacemaker’ in this context refers to its function as the primary oscillator that sets the tempo for peripheral clocks throughout the body. The discovery of the SCN’s role was a major advance in chronobiology.
Mechanism
The SCN receives light input directly from the retina via the retinohypothalamic tract, using this information to entrain its molecular clock mechanism, which is based on a complex feedback loop of ‘clock genes.’ This central timing signal is then relayed through neural and hormonal outputs, such as the regulation of melatonin and cortisol release, to synchronize the entire endocrine system with the external light-dark cycle.
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