Electrophysiology of the suprachiasmatic circadian clock

The suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) play a crucial role in regulating various neuroendocrine and physiological parameters based on daily environmental changes.

• The SCN functions as an internal timekeeper in mammals, coordinating biological rhythms with environmental cues.
• Electrophysiological recordings have enhanced understanding of how the SCN synchronizes with external stimuli.
• Recent studies suggest that the electrical activity within individual clock cells is essential to the SCN's timing mechanisms.
• The review discusses key studies that have contributed to the current understanding of the SCN's role in physiological regulation.

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