AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is a bilateral structure located in the anterior part of the hypothalamus. It is the central pacemaker of the circadian timing system and regulates most circadian rhythms in the body.

Detailed explanation-2: -The tiny suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus plays a central role in the daily programming of organismic functions by regulating day-to-day oscillations of the internal milieu and synchronizing them to the changing cycles of day and night and of body state.

Detailed explanation-3: -The SCN are often called the master circadian clock, because these nuclei (one on each side of the brain) play a key role in coordinating oscillations in other tissues and in regulating behavior. Many other cells and tissues also have the capacity to display an approximately 24-hour rhythmicity.

Detailed explanation-4: -The suprachiasmatic nuclei are two small, paired nuclei that are found in the hypothalamus. Each suprachiasmatic nucleus only contains approximately 10, 000 neurons. The nuclei rest on each side of the third ventricle, just above the optic chiasm.

Detailed explanation-5: -THE SUPRACHIASMATIC NUCLEUS IS A FUNCTIONALLY HETEROGENEOUS TIMEKEEPING ORGAN.