How internal body clocks in the brain and organs work together to control body functions

Circadian rhythms in mammals are influenced by both a master clock in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) and peripheral clocks throughout the body.

• The SCN synchronizes internal biological time with the external light-dark cycle.
• Recent findings suggest that the SCN may not be the sole regulator of physiological processes.
• Communication between central and peripheral clocks is essential for maintaining stable circadian rhythms.
• Interactions between different clocks may influence glucocorticoid release from the adrenal gland.
• These interactions also play a role in regulating glucose levels in the blood.

Simplified