Suprachiasmatic nucleus

Definition

The suprachiasmatic nucleus is a tiny region located in the hypothalamus of the brain, responsible for controlling circadian rhythms. It acts as the body's master clock, coordinating daily cycles of sleep, wakefulness, and other physiological processes.

Related terms

Circadian Rhythms: Biological processes that display an endogenous, entrainable oscillation of about 24 hours.

Hypothalamus: A region of the brain below the thalamus that coordinates both the autonomic nervous system and the activity of the pituitary, controlling body temperature, thirst, hunger, and other homeostatic systems.

Melatonin: A hormone secreted by the pineal gland in response to darkness that promotes sleep and regulates circadian rhythms