Central and Peripheral Circadian Clocks: How Your Body Coordinates Time
How Does Your Brain Coordinate Biological Clocks Throughout Your Body?
The mammalian circadian system operates through a hierarchical network where the master clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the brain coordinates with peripheral clocks located in virtually every organ and tissue throughout the body. This comprehensive review reveals that while the SCN acts as the central pacemaker, responding primarily to light signals, peripheral clocks in organs like the liver, heart, and kidneys can be influenced by additional factors including feeding patterns, temperature, and hormonal signals. The coordination between central and peripheral clocks is essential for optimal metabolism, sleep-wake cycles, and overall physiological function, with disruption of this coordination contributing to metabolic disorders and circadian rhythm sleep disorders.