Circadian Rhythms Flashcards
1
Q
What are circadian rhythms?
A
a number of body clocks
2
Q
what do circadian rhythms control?
A
periods of activity and inactivity
3
Q
what are circadian rhythms a cycle of?
A
physiological and biological processes that fluctuate throughout the day
4
Q
what are they tied to?
A
sunlight cues
5
Q
what can disrupting them lead to?
A
poor/difficult sleep
6
Q
what do they impact? (4)
A
- body temp.
- pain sensitivity
- physical strength
- the senses
7
Q
what are they controlled by?
A
the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)
8
Q
Suprachiasmatic nucleus?
A
a bunch of neurons in the hypothalamus
9
Q
what does the suprachiasmatic nucleus act as?
A
the body’s internal pacemaker?
10
Q
describe the events that lead up to one feeling sleepy (3)
A
- as sunlight decreases at the end of the day, the visual system sends signals to the pineal gland.
- the pineal gland increases the production of melatonin
- the hormone decrease helps decrease activity and induces feelings of sleepiness.
