thermoregulation

    Cards (12)

    • 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 skin surface)
      2. Contract erector muscles (hair stands on end)
      3. Shiver (muscles contract automatically)
    • Vasoconstriction
      Less blood flows near the surface, less heat energy is lost
    • Erector muscles
      Trapping a small layer of insulating air to prevent heat loss
    • Shivering
      Muscle contraction requires energy from respiration, releasing heat as waste
    • Cooling down mechanisms
      1. Vasodilation (blood vessels expand)
      2. Produce sweat (evaporation takes heat energy away)
    • Vasodilation
      More warm blood passes close to skin surface, allowing more heat transfer
    • Sweating
      Evaporation of sweat takes heat energy from the body
    • The brain uses the thermoregulatory sensor to figure out if we're too hot or too cold, and sends signals to warm us up or cool us down accordingly
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