thermoregulation

• Thermoregulation is the control of internal body temperature
• Homeostasis refers to maintaining a stable internal environment within our body
• Body temperature needs to be kept around 37 degrees Celsius for enzymes to function optimally
• Thermoregulatory sensor in the hypothalamus acts as a thermostat for the body
• Receptors throughout the body detect changes in body temperature, with many found in the skin and blood vessels
• If the brain detects the body is too hot, it sends signals to cool down; if too cold, it brings about changes to warm up
• To warm up:

  • Constrict blood vessels near the skin surface (vasoconstriction) to reduce heat loss
  • Contract erector muscles to trap insulating air and prevent heat loss
  • Shiver, which doesn't directly produce heat but requires energy, releasing heat as waste
• To cool down:

  • Relax erector muscles to allow heat loss
  • Expand blood vessels near the skin surface (vasodilation) to transfer more heat to the surroundings
  • Produce sweat, which evaporates and takes heat energy away from the body, cooling us down