thermoregulation

• body temp is controlled by the thermoregulatory centre
• what is the thermoregulatory centre?

  contains receptors which are sensitive to the temp of blood
• what is the role of the temperature receptors?

  send electrical impulses down sensory neurones to the thermoregulatory centre
• what happens when the body temp is too high?

  1. sweat glands release sweat onto the surface of skin
  2. sweat evaporates n takes energy from the body, cooling the body down
  3. blood vessels supplying the capillaries dilate = vasodilation
  4. more blood flow through the capillaries = heat transfers out of blood= normal body temp
• what happens when the body temp is too low?

  1. blood vessels supplying capillaries constrict = vasoconstriction
  2. less blood flows through the capillaries= less heat is lost
  3. shiver= skeletal muscles contract = to generate energy for contraction= muscle cells increase rate of respiration = releases heat