Endogenous pacemakers

Today we looked at the two 'biological clocks' or pacemakers in the body: the SCN and the pineal gland. We looked at evidence that the SCN controls circadian rhythms (mostly from animal studies which we then evaluated), and also evidence that the pineal gland and melatonin play a role in regulating drowsiness/wakefulness.

Here is the first powerpoint on the SCN.

Here is the second powerpoint on the pineal gland.

DON'T FORGET that next week (Tues P2 next week) we have a timed essay in class, under exam conditions. The title of the essay will be 'Discuss the role of endogenous pacemakers and exogenous zeitgebers'. 

WARNING: I'd forgotten that we hadn't covered exogenous zeitgebers. We will do this during P1 and do the essay during P2. Apologies for the mix up.

Here is a copy of the essay plan.