ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS - COLD 1 Flashcards
physiological changes in these environments
The body is forced to try and conserve heat. This is achieved by what list all 3 methods
- Piloerection
- Shivering
- Peripheral Vasoconstriction
Explain what Peripheral vasoconstriction is
Is the redirection of blood flow away from the skin and towards the body’s core.
Explain what Shivering is
Involuntary muscle contractions designed to help increase heat prod.
Explain what Piloerection is
The hairs on the body stand on end and trap a warm layer of hair close to the skins surface to help keep the skin warm
What happens to perfomance in the cold especially to submaximal VO2 and fine motor skills
- Submaximal VO2 increases, for endurance athletes shivering might make there be an early depletion of glycogen stores
- Fine motor skills will deteriorate, as the there is a reduced sensation in the handa and feet
What is Wind Chill
The apparent temperature felt on the skin due to the combination of wind and ambient temperature
Why is there a Risk of dehydration
in cold environments
As the air is very cold and dry, meaning a lot of fluid is lost via respiration, there is a decrease in thirst sensation leading to dehydration
Define Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a potentially dangerous drop in temperature below 35 degrees usually caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures
During Hypothermia
Blood vessels will *what to decrease *what thereby decreasing heat loss.
- Vasoconstrict
- decrease in blood flow to the skin
Situations that can cause the body to lose more heat than it can generate include list all 3
- pronlonged exposure to cold, wintry conditions
- Being in cold water for a length of time
- Being out in windy weather in wet clothes
List all 3 Body’s physiological response to cold weather
- Peripheral vasoconstriction
- Shivering
- Piloerection