The suprachiasmic nuclei of the hypothalamus synchronize and maintain our

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus are responsible for synchronizing and maintaining our circadian rhythm, which is our internal biological clock that regulates various physiological processes such as sleep-wake cycles, hormone secretion, and metabolism. The SCN receives input from light-sensitive cells in the retina, which help to reset the clock each day and maintain its alignment with the external environment. Therefore, option A is the best choice. Option B is incorrect because motivation to sleep is regulated by other brain regions such as the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus, while option C is incorrect because perception of time involves other brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex. Option D is also incorrect because homeostatic mechanisms such as thirst and hunger are regulated by other hypothalamic nuclei.

The Suprachiasmic Nuclei of the Hypothalamus Synchronize and Maintain Our