thermorégulatrice system

• Thermoregulation


  The control of our internal body temperature
• Why we need to regulate temperature

  • Allows our cells to function properly
  • 37 degrees Celsius is the perfect temperature for our enzymes to function
• Thermoregulatory sensor


  Part of the hypothalamus within our brain that acts as a thermostat for our body
• Receptors that detect changes in body temperature

  • Found mostly in the skin and blood vessels
  • Constantly send information about temperature to the thermoregulatory sensor
• Warming up mechanisms


  1. Vasoconstriction (constrict blood vessels near surface of skin)

  2. Contract erector muscles (hair stands on end to trap insulating air)

  3. Shivering (muscle contraction generates heat)
• Cooling down mechanisms


  1. Vasodilation (expand blood vessels to allow more heat transfer)

  2. Sweating (evaporation of sweat takes heat energy from body)
• Muscle contraction doesn't directly produce heat, but requires energy from respiration which results in heat being released
• Evaporation of sweat requires a lot of energy, taking heat energy from the body and leaving it cooler