5.6 - Thermoregulation

• Thermoregulation


  control over our internal body temperature
• Our body has to stay at around 37°C at all times.

  This is the perfect temperature for enzyme function:

  • Below this temperature and enzymes will be too slow
  • Above this temperature and the enzymes will denature
• Thermoregulatory Centre:

  • Hypothalamus
  • Acts as a thermostat
  • Uses the receptors around our body
• How do we warm up using thermoregulation?

  • Vasoconstriction - constrict blood vessels (less heat energy is lost)
  • Contract erector muscles - hairs stand up (creates a layer of insulating air)
  • Shivering - muscles contracts automatically (using respiration = thermal energy as a waste product)
• How do we cool down using thermoregulation?

  • Vasodilation - blood vessels expand (heat energy transferred to surroundings)
  • Erector muscles relax - hairs fall flat
  • Sweating - sweat evaporates taking heat energy with it
• Which type of feedback is involved in thermoregulation?

  Negative Feedback
• What are the two main places temperature receptors are found?

  Blood Vessels

  Skin