The neural circadian system of mammals

Humans and other mammals exhibit a remarkable array of cyclical changes in physiology and behaviour. These are often synchronized to the changing environmental light-dark cycle and persist in constant conditions. Such circadian rhythms are controlled by an endogenous clock, located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus. This structure and its cells have unique properties, and some of these are reviewed to highlight how this central clock controls and sculpts our daily activities. © 2011 Biochemical Society.