Lab 9: Thermoregulation Flashcards
define thermoregulation
the physiological and behavioral responses by which organisms regulate body temperature
how do endothermic species thermoregulate?
endothermic species (mammals) warm their tissues from metabolic heat production
how do ectothermic species thermoregulate?
ectothermic species (reptiles & amphibians) depend on the external environment for warming
changes from normothermia that can be fatal
reductions in core temp of 10 degrees celsius or elevations in core temp of 5 degrees celsius
difference between core temperature and shell temperature
there is a thermal gradient from deep body temperature to skin temperature
common measures of core temperature in a clinical setting
rectal, oral, axillary, tympanic or temporal temperatures
common measures of core temperature in a research setting
(clinical setting sites) and also esophageal and gastrointestinal temperature
how is esophageal temperature measured?
by inserting a thermistor through the nose into the esophagus
how is gastrointestinal temperature measured?
using an ingestible pill sensor
normal core temperature
37 degrees C (98.6 degrees F)
factors that cause small variations in normal core temperature
circadian rhythm, menstrual phase in females
when does stage 1 hypothermia occur?
at or below a core temp of 35 degrees C
signs of hypothermia (stage 1)
shivering, loss of limb movement, blueness in the skin, confusion
at what temperature is hypothermia deemed a medical emergency?
at or below 32 degrees C
at or below 32 degrees celsius, what additional signs may present?
hallucinations, delirium, excessive sleepiness
what can happen at temps as low as 24-26 degrees C?
respiratory or cardiac arrest —> subject may become comatose and death usually follows
physiological responses to increases in core temp
increases in sweat rate, heart rate, and breathing rate
if core temp continues to increase without correction, what signs can present?
nausea, dizziness, weakness, and fainting
at what core temps do heat exhaustion and heat stroke occur?
temps exceeding 40 degrees C
at what high core temp is death nearly certain?
45 degrees C
what are mechanisms of heat transfer dependent on during exercise?
the external environment
mechanisms of heat loss from the body when the environment is cooler than the body
radiation, conduction, convection