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Define “endogenous pacemakers”
Internal body clocks that keep biological processes to time
Define “exogenous zeitgebers”
External cues that entrain internal body clocks, meaning altering body clocks to match the environment
How long does a circadian rhythm last?
24 hours
Explain how the sleep wake cycle is a circadian rhythm
The sleep wake cycle is the pattern of sleep and wakefulness that repeats every 24 hours
There must be an internal body clock (endogenous pacemaker) that keeps this pattern and we are aware of conflicts between the endogenous pacemaker and exogenous zeitgeber like light and social cues in situations like jet lag. The endogenous pacemaker will be entrained by the exogenous zeitgeber’s to the new time zone, but it can take several days
What is the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)?
The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the endogenous pacemaker for the sleep wake cycle (also known as the master clock). Located at the point on the optic nerves where they cross. When light is detected by the SCN it sends light to the pineal gland, stopping the production of melatonin, a hormone that results in a sleep response
Circadian Rhythm - Evaluation
Note 
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