Outline and evaluate circadian rhythms.

(16 marks)
Circadian rhythms refers to cycles that last approximately 24 hours. The sleep-wake cycle,
temperature cycle, and hormone cycle are all circadian rhythms, also referred to as a ‘body
clock’.

The master circadian pacemaker is the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) which is located in the
hypothalamus. The SCN is constantly rest by light through photoentrainment. Melanopsin cells
detect the brightness of light and send this information via the optic nerve to the SCN, which
then coordinates the activity of the entire circadian rhythm.

The sleep-wake cycle is guided by zeitgebers (exogenous cues) such