Controlling Body Temperature

Question 1

What is body temperature monitored & controlled by?

Answer 1

Thermoregulatory Centre

Question 2

Where is the thermoregulatory centre located?

Answer 2

Brain

Question 3

How does a rise/drop in body temperature get detected?

Answer 3

• detected by receptors in thermoreg centre sensitive to temp of blood
• skin contains temperature receptors & sends nervous impulses to thermoreg centre

Question 4

What happens if body temperature is too high?

Answer 4

• blood vessels dilate & sweat is produced from sweat glands

- both mechanisms cause a transfer of energy from skin to environment

Question 5

What happens if body temperature is too low?

Answer 5

• blood vessels constrict & sweating stops
• skeletal muscles contract (shiver) which generates heat by friction
• hair erector muscles contract to trap air which is an insulator