4.5.2.4 Control of body temperature

Question 1

Where is body temperature controlled in the

body?

Answer 1

Body temperature is controlled by the
thermoregulatory centre in the hypothalamus
of the brain.

Question 2

How is temperature monitored by the body?

Answer 2

● Thermoregulatory centre has receptors
sensitive to blood temperature.
● Skin has receptors sensitive to skin
temperature - sends impulses to
thermoregulatory centre.

Question 3

What physiological changes occur when the

body temperature is too high?

Answer 3

● Vasodilation - blood vessels near the surface
of the skin dilate - more heat is radiated away.
● Sweating - evaporation of water takes away
heat energy from the surface of the skin.

Question 4

What physiological changes occur when the

body temperature is too low?

Answer 4

● Vasoconstriction - blood vessels near the surface
of the skin constrict - less heat radiated away.
● Shivering - respiration allows muscles to contract.
It is an exothermic process, so heat energy is
released.
● Sweating stops.

Question 5

What physiological changes occur when the

body temperature is too low?

Answer 5

● Vasoconstriction - blood vessels near the surface
of the skin constrict - less heat radiated away.
● Shivering - respiration allows muscles to contract.
It is an exothermic process, so heat energy is
released.
● Sweating stops.