How We Control Our Body Temperature #55

• What is thermoregulation?

  Control of 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?

  Maintaining a stable internal environment
• What is the ideal body temperature for enzyme function?

  37 degrees Celsius
• What happens to enzymes below 37 degrees Celsius?

  Their activity slows down
• What happens to enzymes above 37 degrees Celsius?

  They start to denature
• What is the thermoregulatory sensor?

  A part of the hypothalamus acting as a thermostat
• Where are most temperature receptors found?

  In the skin and blood vessels
• How does the brain respond if it detects we are too hot?

  It sends signals to cool us down
• How does the brain respond if it detects we are too cold?

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

  • Vasoconstriction of blood vessels
  • Contraction of erector muscles
  • Shivering to generate heat
• What mechanisms does the body use to cool down?

  • Relaxation of erector muscles
  • Vasodilation of blood vessels
  • Sweating to lose heat
• What is vasoconstriction?

  Constriction of blood vessels near the skin
• What is the purpose of contracting erector muscles?

  To trap insulating air and retain heat
• How does shivering help warm the body?

  It generates heat through muscle contraction
• What happens to the erector muscles when cooling down?

  They relax, allowing hairs to fall flat
• What is vasodilation?

  Expansion of blood vessels to release heat
• How does sweating cool the body?

  Evaporation of sweat takes heat away
• What is sweat composed of?

  A mixture of water and salts
• Why does evaporation of water require energy?

  To change water from liquid to gas
• What is the overall purpose of thermoregulation?

  To maintain a stable internal body temperature
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