Endogenous pacemakers and exogenous zeitgebers

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)

A small group of cells located in the hypothalamus above the optic chiasm, responsible for receiving light information to regulate the biological clock.

Melatonin

A hormone produced by the pineal gland in response to light information from the SCN, inducing sleep.

Exogenous Zeitgebers

External environmental factors like light and social cues that synchronize our biological clocks.

Circadian Rhythms

Biological cycles in various organs and cells, influenced by the SCN but can also act independently.

Endogenous Pacemakers

Internal mechanisms that regulate the sleep/wake cycle, interacting with exogenous zeitgebers for synchronization.

Entrainment

The process of adjusting the biological clock in response to external cues like light and social schedules.