The Biological Clock is something that most of us has heard about. But what most of us don't know is that how it works, why do we need it and where is it located. Modern medical science have answers to all these questions. Betterhealthfacts.com has done some research and collected some interesting facts about this Biological Clock.Where is Biological Clock located in human body ?
There is a misconception that there is a single biological clock in body. Truth is that there is not just a single clock. We have uncountable Biological Clocks in our body. Each cell in our body have a biological clock. One Master Clock in brain keeps all of these biological clocks in synchronization.
What is Master Clock or SCN (Suprachiasmatic Nucleus) ?
As we told in previous answer that Master Clock in Brain keeps all biological clocks in sync. Now the question arises about the location of this Master Clock. This Master Clock is group of 20000 nerve cells in brain also known as SCN (Suprachiasmatic Nucleus). This SCN is located in hypothalamus, just above the area where optic nerves cross each other. This location helps Master Clock in maintaining Circadian Rhythms.
What is Circadian Rhythms ?
Circadian Rhythms are physical, mental and behavioral changes that occur in human body and repeats themselves on a 24-hour cycle. Our body need different enzymes and hormones in different parts of day, to digest our food, to make us sleepy in night, to do repair works in body during night. All of these activities need exact timing to work properly. If you feel sleepy just after taking shower in the morning then it won't be correct. All such things are maintained by Circadian Rhythms. We humans are not the only one to have it, even animals, plants and microbes have Circadian Rhythms.
How does Master Clock know what time of day is it ?
As we told you that Master Clock or SCN (Suprachiasmatic Nucleus) is located just above the crossing of two optic nerves. Due to this location Master Clock can easily get information from optic nerves about the outside lighting (either its day or night). Light is a main component to gather the information about time. However other environmental factors also affect the working of Master Clock.
What functions of the body are influenced by Circadian Rhythms ?
All functions of Circadian Rhythms can't be listed in this article, but we are listing some important one which are easily understandable.
- Sleep Wake Cycle
- Body Temperature
- Hormone Release
- Cell Regeneration
- Metabolic Activities
Biological clock can adjust itself it the person travels from one time zone to other within a day or two.
Some effects on human body due to the Circadian Rhythms at different points of a day a listed below. These effects are not done by Circadian Rhythms directly but influenced.
- 1:00 AM: Liver glycogen synthesis is highest
- 2:00 AM: We are in the deepest sleep due to Melatonin Hormone.
- 4:30 AM: We have the lowest body temperature.
- 5:00 AM: Plasma Insulin Level is lowest at this time.
- 6:45 AM: We have the sharpest rise in Blood Pressure.
- 7:30 AM: Melatonin secretion stops
- 9:00 AM: We have the highest testosterone hormone level.
- 10:00 AM: At this time our body have maximum alertness. RBC and hemoglobin count is also highest at this time.
- 2:30 PM: Our coordination level is highest.
- 3:30 PM: At this time we have the fastest reaction time due high Adrenalin in blood.
- 5:00 PM: Its the time of best cardiovascular efficiency and muscle strength.
- 6:00 PM: Urinary flow is highest.
- 6:30 AM: At this time we have the highest blood pressure.
- 7:00 PM: The body temperature reaches its highest post at this time.
- 9:00 PM: Melatonin secretion starts to make us sleepy.
- 10:30 PM: Bowel movements are suppressed so that it don't disturbs our sleep.
- 11:00 PM: Blood Eosinophils and Lymphocytes are at the peak level.
Betterhealthfacts.com expects that the information about the biological clock provided above has increased your knowledge about your own body. You may read more such articles listed below.
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