Chapter 12 - Homeostasis in action Flashcards
1
Q
What is meant by the thermoregulatory centre?
A
The centre located in the pituitary gland which controls body temperature.
2
Q
What is the thermoregulatory centre likened to?
A
The Human Thermostat.
3
Q
Why does body temperature need to be regulated?
A
For efficient enzyme and cell activity.
If body temperature is above the optimum temperature (37°C), enzymes will denature, and if below, enzymes will slow down.
4
Q
What features does the thermoregulatory centre have in order to carry out its job?
A
- Receptors in hypothalamus sensitive to temperature of blood flowing to brain.
- Receptors on skin sensitive to temperature that detect change in temp and convert them to electrical impulses which are sent to the thermoregulatory centre in the brain.
5
Q
Describe how the thermoregulatory regulates body temperature when it is too low?
A
6
Q
Describe how the thermoregulatory centre regulates the body temperature when it is too high?
A
7
Q
What is the optimum body temperature?
A
37°C
8
Q
A
