Endogenous Pacemakers - BIOPSYCHOLOGY Flashcards
what type of stimuli for biological rhythms are endogenous pacemakers
internal stimuli - meaning it is caused by internal factors (e.g. heart rate)
what is the SCN known as
the body’s “master circadian clock”
what does the SCN do
it contains neurons that communicate with other pace makers all over the body
how are the neurons within the SCN organised
to fit in a synchronised pattern
all pacemakers ‘keep time’ but what does the SCN do
sets them all
function of the pineal gland in relation to endogenous pacemakers
it receives signals from SCN to produce melatonin according to light levels
what is melatonin derived from
serotonin
what type of neurotransmitter is melatonin
inhibitory neurotransmitter
which areas of the brain does melatonin inhibit
the ones responsible for wakefulness (mesencephalon and limbic system)
what does the inhibition of the areas ‘responsible for wakefulness’ lead to
sleep
