suprachiasmatic
soo-pruh-kai-az-MAT-ik
Definition
Relating to the region of the hypothalamus located above the optic chiasm, which serves as the primary controller of circadian rhythms in mammals.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'supra' (above) and the Greek 'chiasma' (a cross-like shape), referring to the anatomical position of this nucleus directly above the optic chiasm where optic nerves cross.
In the news
The article identifies the suprachiasmatic nucleus as the location of the body's central circadian pacemaker, which receives light information via the retina to regulate sleep-wake cycles.
Morning sunlight can reset the body clock surprisingly quickly because outdoor light is vastly brighter than most indoor environments — but the popular five-minute rule isn't a proven biological threshold, and window glass weakens the signal rather than blocki
Read the full article ↗ScienceBlog.com