Energy balance Flashcards
How does the body maintain a constant temperature?
To maintain a constant temperature heat gained must balance heat lost. Receptors in the skin detect external temperature and receptors in the brain detect blood temp. The hypothalamus acts as a processing center receiving info from receptors and sending instructions to effectors.
What are some effectors in the body that control body temp?
Sweat glands and muscles, at high body temp more sweat is produced which cools the body when it evaporates, at low body temp muscles contract rapidly (shivering) resulting in increased respiration and the energy released can warm the surroundings.
How do blood vessels help maintain body temperature?
Vasodilation and vasoconstriction.
What is Vasodilation?
It is used to increase heat loss as when the body is hot, blood is pushed to the outer layers of skin as small vessels become wider, the skin therefore appears reader and feels warmer as heat is lost.
What is Vasoconstriction?
It is used to reduce heat loss as the outer blood vessels get narrower and blood is forced to flow further from the surface and heat is kept. Skin feels colder and looks blue.
What are the different types of diabetes and which affects who?
There is type 1 and type 2. Type 1 is only 10% of cases and occurs typically in childhood. Type 2 accounts for the other 90% and occurs typically after you are 40 years old and arises due to poor diet or obesity.
How does the body act differently in both type 1 and 2?
In type 1 the pancreas stops producing enough insulin however in type 2 the body either stops responding to insulin or does not make enough to properly use.
How are the different types controlled?
Type 1 diabetes is controlled by insulin injections and type 2 can be controlled by exercise and diet. A diet high in fibre and complex carbs can help to maintain a constant blood sugar level.
