Exogenous Zeitgebers

Question 1

what are exogenous zeitgebers

Answer 1

external environmental cues that help regulate and reset biological rhythms, especially circadian rhythms. they ensure our internal body clocks remain in synchrony with the outside world.

Question 2

what is the most important exogenous zeitgeber for humans

Answer 2

light, it affects processes such as the sleep-wake cycle by influencing physiological functions. light detected by the retina is used to adjust internal rhythms

Question 3

what are social cues

Answer 3

social behaviours like meal times, work schedules, and social interaction that act as time-givers to help regulate our biological rhythms, particularly when natural light cues are unavailable

Question 4

what is entrainment

Answer 4

the process by which external zeitgebers reset the biological clock to align internal rhythms with the 24-hour day

Question 5

what is a phase shift

Answer 5

a change in the timing of biological rhythms, often caused by a change in external zeitgebers (e.g. travelling across time zones or starting shift work)

Question 6

what is jet lag

Answer 6

a temporary disruption of circadian rhythms caused by rapid travel across time zones, resulting in a mismatch between internal clocks and external time cues like light