Core Body Temperature

Created by

Amber Foster

Cards (34)

Why is core body temperature important?
It is vital for proper metabolic processes
How does core body temperature regulation differ from skin temperature regulation?
Core temperature is tightly regulated, skin varies
What is the approximate temperature during peak activity hours?
37.5°C
How do fluctuations in core body temperature demonstrate adaptation to daily activities?
They show temperature changes from sleep to activity
What is the typical value of core body temperature in Celsius?
37°C
What role does the hypothalamus play in temperature regulation?
It acts as the body's thermostat
How does the hypothalamus maintain core temperature?
Through feedback loops
What is core body temperature?
Temperature of internal organs
What is the approximate temperature at sleep onset?
36.5°C
What hormone's levels rise as temperature drops in the evening?
Melatonin
What is the typical value of core body temperature in Fahrenheit?
98.6°F
What type of rhythm does core body temperature follow?
Circadian rhythm
How does sunlight affect the hypothalamus?
It stimulates the hypothalamus to raise temperature
What are the differences between core body temperature and skin temperature?
Core Body Temperature:
Location: Internal organs
Range: Around 37°C (98.6°F)
Regulation: Tightly regulated by body
Skin Temperature:
Location: Surface of skin
Range: Varies widely
Regulation: Depends on environment
How does core body temperature fluctuate throughout the day?
It fluctuates in a roughly 24-hour cycle
Why does regular exercise influence temperature throughout the day?
It boosts metabolism, generating heat
What are the impacts of light and physical activity on body temperature?
Light exposure raises core body temperature
Sunlight stimulates the hypothalamus
Hypothalamus adjusts the circadian rhythm
Physical activity increases core temperature
Regular exercise boosts metabolism
What does the circadian rhythm influence?
It influences the body's temperature cycle
What does the rise in melatonin levels signal?
The sleep period
What is the relationship between core body temperature and sleep during a typical circadian rhythm?
They show an inverse relationship
What happens to core temperature in the evening?
It drops
How do core temperature and melatonin levels interact to regulate sleep-wake cycles?
As core temperature decreases, melatonin levels increase
This inverse relationship helps regulate sleep-wake cycles
The hypothalamus acts as the body's thermostat
How does the hypothalamus regulate body temperature through feedback loops?
When temperature changes, the hypothalamus triggers compensatory responses:
Warming: Blood vessels constrict, metabolic rate increases, breathing rate rises
Cooling: Blood vessels dilate, metabolic rate decreases, breathing rate falls
These responses help maintain core body temperature
What are the key features of core body temperature variations?
Follows a circadian rhythm
Set point is 37°C
Fluctuates in a 24-hour cycle
Ranges from 36.5°C at sleep onset to 37.5°C during peak activity
What does the dashed line in the diagram represent?
Sleep propensity increasing as temperature decreases
What is the set point of core body temperature?
37°C
How does the hypothalamus act as the body's "thermostat"?
It maintains core temperature through feedback loops
What is the main function of the hypothalamus in the body?
Maintaining core body temperature
What does the dotted line in the diagram represent?
Melatonin levels rising
What happens to metabolic rate when the body is cooling down?
It decreases
What happens to blood vessels when the body is warming up?
They constrict
How does physical activity affect core temperature?
It significantly increases core temperature
What effect does light exposure have on core body temperature?
It raises core body temperature
What happens to breathing rate when the body is warming up?
It rises