Control of body temperature

• Human body temperature is 37 degrees celcius. This is the optimum temperature for enzyme activity.
• The body temperature is monitored and controlled by the thermoregulatory centre.
• The thermoregulatory centre contains receptors sensitive to the temperature of the blood. The skin contains temperature receptors and sends nervous system to the thermoregulatory centre.
• Vasoconstriction

  • Body temp is too low
  • Blood vessels constrict (get smaller)
  • Sweating stops
  • Skeletal muscles contract (shiver)
• Vasodilation

  • Body temperature is too high
  • Blood vessels dilate (get bigger)
  • Sweat glands produce sweat