When the Mammal Body Clock Begins to Work During Development

Circadian rhythms are governed by a central rhythm generator in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).

• The circadian system coordinates physiological functions with environmental cycles.
• Light synchronizes the adult circadian system, while maternal signals influence fetal and neonatal rhythms.
• The SCN controls peripheral circadian oscillators through molecular feedback loops of clock genes.
• Maturation and entrainment of the central rhythm generator and peripheral oscillators occur during development.

Simplified