5.2 Body Temperature Control

Question 1

What is the function of the thermoregulatory centre?

Answer 1

The thermoregulatory centre monitors and controls the body temperature

Question 2

How is the thermoregulatory centre able to perform its function?

Answer 2

The thermoregulatory centre contains receptors that are sensitive to the temperature of the blood

Question 3

How does the skin help the thermoregulatory centre perform its function?

Answer 3

The skin contains temperature receptors that also send nervous impulses to the thermoregulatory centre

Question 4

What happens when the body temperature is too high?

Answer 4

• When the body temperature is too high, vasodilation occurs
• The body also produces more sweat

Question 5

What happens when the body temperature is too low?

Answer 5

• When the body temperature is too low, vasocontriction occurs
• The skeletal muscles contract
• The body stops sweating

Question 6

What is vasodilation

Answer 6

Vasodilation is when the blood vessels dilate, which allows more blood to flow through the capillaries, so more heat energy is transferred from the skin to the surroundings via radiation

Question 7

How does sweating cool the body down?

Answer 7

Sweat is produced from the sweat glands, which eventually evaporates from the skin and transfers energy into the environment

Question 8

What is vasoconstriction?

Answer 8

Vasoconstriction is when the blood vessels constrict to reduce the flow of blood and reduce the energy transferred by radiation

Question 9

How does the skeletal muscles contracting increase body temperature?

Answer 9

The rapid skeletal muscle contraction requires a lot of energy from respiration, which is an exothermic process