[Work of the inner clock. Neuroanatomy of circadian systems of mammals].

Many aspects of mammalian life exhibit distinct alterations throughout the 24-h cycle. Morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters display circadian rhythms which are thought to be generated by an endogenous pacemaker and regulated by environmental factors. The morphological substrates of the endogenous circadian system have been studied extensively during the last two decades. Although knowledge is far from complete, there is general agreement that the pathways involved consist mainly of retina, hypothalamus, spinal cord, sympathetic trunk, and pineal gland. This review characterizes the anatomical structures and tracts responsible for generation and maintenance of circadian rhythmicity and discusses functional implications of neurotransmitter involvement and the selectivity of connections.