12.7 Temperature Regulation by the Skin Flashcards
1
Q
What are homeotherms?
A
animals whose body temperature is relatively constant
2
Q
What is chemical thermogenesis?
A
ability of some homeotherms to maintain body temperature by burning brown adipose tissue
3
Q
What are the four strategies humans have to deal with cold weather/temperatures?
A
- contraction of skeletal muscles producing heat
- insulation by the skin
- cutaneous vasoconstriction
- clothes and blankets
4
Q
What is cutaneous vasoconstriction?
A
constriction of blood vessels in the dermis
5
Q
What causes cutaneous vasoconstriction?
A
occurs in response to cold weather or activation by the sympathetic nervous system
6
Q
What are the two mechanisms humans have to dissipate heat?
A
- sweating
- cutaneous vasodilation
7
Q
What is cutaneous vasodilation?
A
dilation of the blood vessels in the dermis
