Controlling Body Temperature Flashcards
Optimum internal temperature
37 degrees Celsius
Why does body temperature need to be kept constant?
Body has to balance amount of energy gained and lost
Thermoregulatory centre
In brain
Contains receptors sensitive to temperature of blood flowing through brain
How is body temperature controlled?
Via negative feedback
What do antagonistic effectors do?
Work at same time to achieve a very precise temperature
Allows a more sensitive response
When too hot
Hairs lie flat
Sweat produced by sweat glands and evaporates from skin (transfers energy to environment)
Blood vessels supplying skin dilate so more blood flows closer to skin (vasodilation)
When too cold
Hairs stand up to trap an insulating layer of air
No sweat produced
Blood vessels supplying skin capillaries constrict (vasoconstriction)
Muscles contract automatically - needs respiration which transfers energy to warm body
