Analysis of multi-oscillator structure of biological clock

视交叉上核(SCN)中的振荡神经元是生物钟的中枢，通过相互同步构成多个不同特性的区域起搏器。区域起搏器的作用取决于SCN的面积，它们的相互作用决定了活动期的长短，表现出行为节律的季节性变化。限制每日进食或甲基苯丙胺治疗会扰乱生物钟的功能，这被认为是由于中枢和外周生物钟之间的去同步所致。调节行为节律的外周时钟(S)被认为驻留在中脑。

Oscillating neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the center of biological clock, constructs more than one regional pacemakers of different characteristics through mutual synchronization. The roles of regional pacemakers depend on the area of SCN, and their interaction determines the length of activity period, showing seasonal changes in behavioral rhythms. The function of biological clock is disrupted by restricted daily feeding or methamphetamine treatment, which is supposed to be due to desynchronization between the central and peripheral clocks. The peripheral clock(s) regulating behavioral rhythms is suggested to reside in the midbrain.