B1f Flashcards
1
Q
what is homeostasis?
A
keeping a constant internal environment by balancing body inputs and outputs.
2
Q
what does the hypothalamus do?
A
it keeps the body in balance by detecting when the blood is too hot or too cold.
3
Q
why must the body stay at 37 degrees?
A
it is the optimum temperature for most enzymes
4
Q
what is vasoconstriction?
A
when the body is too cold small blood vessels constrict and so less blood flows and less heat is lost.
5
Q
what is vasodilation?
A
when the body is too hot small blood vessels in the skin dilate and blood flow increases, brnging the blood to the surface, where it loses heat.
