suprachiasmatic nucleus (scn)
The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is a small group of cells located in the brain's hypothalamus that serves as the body's internal biological clock. It regulates various functions in synchronization with the daily pattern of light and dark, ultimately controlling our sleep-wake cycle, hormone production, body temperature, and other bodily rhythms.
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Related Concepts (1)
Similar Concepts
- biological clock
- circadian rhythm
- circadian rhythms
- corticotropin-releasing hormone (crh)
- entrainment
- gonadotropin-releasing hormone (gnrh)
- hypothalamus
- melatonin
- melatonin production
- pineal gland
- sleep and circadian rhythms
- sleep-wake cycle
- sympathetic nervous system
- thermoregulatory center in the hypothalamus
- thyroid-stimulating hormone (tsh)