thermoregulation

• What is thermoregulation?

  It is the control of our internal body temperature.
• Why do we need to regulate our body temperature?

  To allow our cells to function properly.
• Which part of the brain controls thermoregulation?

  The hypothalamus.
• What does homeostasis refer to?

  It refers to maintaining a stable internal environment.
• What is the ideal body temperature that needs to be maintained?

  37 degrees Celsius.
• Why is 37 degrees Celsius important for enzymes?

  It is the perfect temperature for their function.
• What happens to enzymes if the body temperature falls below 37 degrees Celsius?

  Their activity slows down.
• What happens to enzymes if the body temperature rises above 37 degrees Celsius?

  They start to denature and can't work at all.
• What is the role of the thermoregulatory sensor?

  It acts as a thermostat for our body.
• Where are the receptors that detect changes in body temperature mostly found?

  In the skin and blood vessels.
• How does the brain respond if it detects that the body is too hot?

  It sends out signals designed to cool us down.
• How does the brain respond if it detects that the body is too cold?

  It brings about changes that warm us back up.
• What mechanisms does the body use to warm up?

  • Vasoconstriction: constricting blood vessels near the skin surface.
  • Contracting erector muscles: making hairs stand on end to trap insulating air.
  • Shivering: muscle contractions that generate heat through respiration.
• What mechanisms does the body use to cool down?

  • Relaxing erector muscles: allowing hairs to fall flat.
  • Vasodilation: expanding blood vessels to transfer heat to surroundings.
  • Sweating: releasing sweat that evaporates and takes heat away.
• What is vasoconstriction?

  It is the constriction of blood vessels near the skin surface.
• What is vasodilation?

  It is the expansion of blood vessels.
• What is the purpose of sweating?

  To cool the body by evaporating heat energy.
• How does evaporation of sweat cool the body?

  It takes heat energy from the body as it evaporates.
• What is the composition of sweat?

  A mixture of water and salts.
• What happens to the erector muscles when the body is too hot?

  They relax, allowing the hairs to fall flat.
• What happens to the blood vessels when the body is too hot?

  They expand or vasodilate.
• What is the overall goal of thermoregulation?

  To maintain a stable internal body temperature.