<p>Schematic illustration of the two model architectures.</p>

A single compartment model integrates the heat shock signaling cascade with the core circadian clock network, representing a spatially uniform peripheral oscillator entrained by thermal input. <b>B</b>: Compartmentalized SCN clock model. The SCN consists of ventral and dorsal compartments, each with a local clock network.

The two regions are connected by peptide signaling: ventral VIP regulates both regions, and dorsal AVP acts locally. These signals modulate <i>Per</i> expression and interregional phase relationships, allowing analysis of how spatial organization influences SCN thermal responses.</p>