Biopsych: Biological rhythms

Question 1

Circadian rhythm

Answer 1

A type of biological rhythm based on a 24 hour cycle which regulates a number of body processes

Question 2

Infradian rhythm

Answer 2

A type of biological rhythm with a frequency of less than one cycle every 24 hours

Question 3

Ultradian rhythm

Answer 3

A type of biological rhythm with a frequency of more than one cycle every 24 hours

Question 4

Endogenous pacemakers

Answer 4

Internal body clocks that regulate many of our biological rhythms
Controlled by the SCN

Question 5

Exogenous zeitgebers

Answer 5

External cues that affect or entrain our biological rhythms

Question 6

Jet lag

Answer 6

Travelling across time zones affects our biological rhythms because our natural rhythm is not synchronised with the light/dark cycle

Question 7

Shift work

Answer 7

Working different hours on different days (working at night/changing shifts)

Question 8

Entrainment

Answer 8

When the internal body clock is influenced by external factors

Question 9

SCN

Answer 9

Suprachiasmatic nucleus

A tiny bundle of nerve cells located in the hypothalamus that is influential in maintaining circadian rhythms

Question 10

Melatonin

Answer 10

A chemical that induces sleep and is inhibited during the day

Question 11

Pineal gland

Answer 11

Increases production of melatonin during the night; receives information from the SCN