Homeostasis and Response - Thermoregulation

Question 1

Thermoregulation is….

Answer 1

the control of our internal temperature

Question 2

Homeostasis regulates our temperature to remain approx.

Why?

Answer 2

37 degrees because this is the optimum temperature for our enzymes to function.

Question 3

Where is thermoregulation controlled in the body?

Answer 3

CNS - Brain - Thermoregulatory Centre located in the hypothalumus

Question 4

Mechanisms our body uses to warm up: vasoconstriction

Answer 4

constrict the blood vessels so that less blood flows near the surface of the skin - thus less heat energy is lost to the surroundings

Question 5

Mechanisms our body uses to warm up: contract erector muscles

Answer 5

this makes the hairs stand which traps a layer of insulating air, making it harder to lose heat from our skin

Question 6

Mechanisms our body uses to warm up: shivering

Answer 6

muscles contract which requires energy from respiration. Due to the increased chemical reactions in the body and the physical movement, the body’s internal energy increases.

Question 7

Mechanisms our body uses to cool down: erector muscles relax

Answer 7

hairs fall flat allowing for heat energy to dissipate from skin into surroundings

Question 8

Mechanisms our body uses to cool down: vasodilation

Answer 8

blood vessels expand and more heat energy can escape from the skin

Question 9

Mechanisms our body uses to cool down: sweating

Answer 9

As sweat evaporates from the skin, it takes heat energy away with it because it takes energy to evaporate the water, leaving us cooler.