ENDOGENOUS PACEMAKERS

• WHAT ARE ENDOGENOUS PACEMAKERS?

  internal biological clocks
• WHAT IS THE MAIN ENDOGENOUS PACEMAKERS IN MAMMALS?

  superchiasmatic nucleus (SCN)
• WHAT IS THE SCN?

  bundle of nerve cells located in the hypothalamus
• WHAT DOES THE SCN DO?

  • absorb sunlight
  • alter sleep/ wake cycle
  • darkness causes SCN to stimulate pineal gland to produce more melatonin, inducing sleep