Biology Forums - Study Force

Which of the following statements most accurately characterizes an aspect of the neurobiology of sleep?
 
  A)
  The hypothalamus stimulates the anterior and posterior pituitary to modulate sleeping-waking cycles.
  B)
  The pituitary releases melatonin at predictable points in the circadian rhythm in order to facilitate sleep.
  C)
  The reticular formation, thalamus, and cerebral cortex interact to integrate the sleep-wake cycle.
  D)
  Input from the retinas is interpreted by the cerebellum and contributes to maintenance of the circadian rhythm.

Ans:
C

Feedback:

The sleep-wake cycle is rooted anatomically in the reticular formation and the interaction between the thalamus and cerebral cortex. Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland, and the hypothalamus and cerebellum are not central contributors to the sleep-wake cycle.