label: suprachiasmatic nucleus
label_lc: suprachiasmatic nucleus
description: "* An ovoid densely packed collection of small cells of the anterior hypothalamus lying close to the midline in a shallow impression of the optic chiasm. (MSH) * small group of nerve cell bodies in the supraoptic region of the hypothalamus, just above the optic chiasm; influences rhythmic aspects of hypothalamic functions in many vertebrate species. (CSP)."