B5: THERMOREGULATION

Question 1

What part of the brain controls body temp?

Answer 1

thermoregulatory centre

Question 2

What happens if body temp is too high?

Answer 2

-VASODILATION: arteries dilate to supply more blood to the capillaries near the surface of the skin to allow heat transfer to the surroundings
-SWEAT: evaporates off body which transfers heat to surroundings
-HAIRS LIE FLAT (relaxed muscles): less air trapped, no insulating layer

Question 3

What happens if body temp is too low?

Answer 3

-VASOCONSTRICTION: arteries constrict to reduce blood flow to the capillaries in the surface of the skin to conserve heat
-NO SWEAT PRODUCED: no evaporation so less heat energy transferred to surroundings
-HAIRS ON SKIN STAND UP (contracted muscles): insulating layer of air
-SHIVERING: skeletal muscles contract to release energy for maintaining body temp