Retinohypothalamic tract

Retinohypothalamic tract is a pathway in the human body that connects the retina of the eye to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. This tract plays a crucial role in the regulation of the circadian rhythms.

Etymology

The term "retinohypothalamic" is derived from the Latin words "retina", which refers to the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye, and "hypothalamus", which is a region of the brain responsible for the production of many of the body's essential hormones.

Anatomy

The retinohypothalamic tract begins in the retina, where photoreceptor cells capture light and convert it into electrical signals. These signals are then transmitted to the bipolar cells in the retina, which in turn pass the signals to the retinal ganglion cells. The axons of these ganglion cells form the optic nerve, which carries the signals to the brain.

The optic nerve splits at the optic chiasm, with half of the fibers crossing over to the opposite side of the brain. The fibers of the retinohypothalamic tract leave the optic chiasm and travel to the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus.

Function

The primary function of the retinohypothalamic tract is to convey information about the light-dark cycle to the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which is the body's main circadian pacemaker. This information is used to synchronize the body's internal clock with the external environment.

The retinohypothalamic tract is also involved in the regulation of other physiological processes that are influenced by the light-dark cycle, such as the secretion of melatonin by the pineal gland.

Related Terms

• Retina
• Hypothalamus
• Suprachiasmatic nucleus
• Circadian rhythm
• Optic nerve
• Optic chiasm
• Photoreceptor cells
• Bipolar cells
• Retinal ganglion cells
• Melatonin
• Pineal gland

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