Explain the process by which light acts on the suprachiasmatic ...

[codyclark]

Explain the process by which light acts on the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) to control the circadian rhythm.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

As Jenelle is falling asleep, she has a sensation of walking along. Suddenly, her right leg steps into a hole and her foot jerks in bed, seemingly simulating the experienced fall in her sleeping state. These muscle contractions are:
 
  a. hypnic jerks
  b. sleep spindles
  c. K complexes
  d. alpha wave activity

[Jayson]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: The SCN receives afferent signals from the retina (melanopsin in ganglion cells) that provide the capacity of light signals to reset the SCN clock (zeitgeber function). Glutamate is the transmitter between retinal cells and the SCN. The output of the SCN is to three nearby brain regions that in turn interact with neural circuits that induce wakefulness or promote sleep.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: A

[codyclark]

TYSM

[kjohnson]

Excellent