The Effect of Endogenous Pacemakers and Exogenous Zeitgebers on the Sleep/Wake Cycle

Question 1

Endogenous pacemakers

Answer 1

nternal body clocks that regulate many biological rhythms such as the influence of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) on the sleep/wake cycle.

Question 2

Exogenous zeitgebers

Answer 2

External cues that may impact or entrain biological rhythms, such as the influence of light on the sleep/wake cycle

Question 3

Entrainment

Answer 3

The synchronisation of the body to the environment.

Question 4

SCN

Answer 4

suprachiasmatic nucleus is a tiny bundle of nerve cells located in the hypothalamus in each hemisphere of the brain
It is regulated by light from the environment, receiving information about light even when the eyes are closed. This enables the biological clock to adjust to changing patterns of daylight whilst individuals are asleep.

Question 5

sleep wake cycle

Answer 5

dictates when humans and animals should be asleep and awake. Light provides the primary input to this system, acting as the external cue for sleeping or waking