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Diagrammatic representation of the pathway taken by melanopsin ganglion cells to the brain. The pathway takes the retinohypothalamic tract (blue pathway) to the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and then to the pituitary to regulate melatonin release. This circuit drives the circadian rhythm of the human body. SCN, suprachiasmatic nucleus; LGN, lateral geniculate nucleus; IGL, intergeniculate leaflet; mRGCs, melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells; OPN, olivary pretectal nucleus.
