Neuroendocrinology briefings 10: biological timekeeping.
The existence of biological clocks was once the subject of considerable debate. However, research has confirmed that a 24 h (circadian) clock in our brain has a pronounced influence on when we sleep, eat, drink, etc. Disruptions in clock function compromise normal daily patterns of hormone release, sleep and body temperature, and can affect mental and physical well-being. The recent identification of clock genes and the neural pathways to the clock will facilitate the development of effective strategies to treat disorders of circadian function.
Piggins
H
H
School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, UK.
D000818:Animals; D001683:Biological Clocks / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D013493:Suprachiasmatic Nucleus / Q000502:physiology