Thermoregulation

Question 1

what does optimum temperature mean

Answer 1

the temperature - 37 - that enzymes work best in the body

Question 2

what happens if temperature increases or decreases

Answer 2

homeostasis maintains the core body temperature as any change triggers a response to counteract it

Question 3

tell me 2 things the thermoregulatory centre does in the hypothalamus

Answer 3

• it contains receptors that are sensitive to body temperature
• receives impulses from receptors in the skin epidermis and dermis to provide information on external temperature
• if detect change cause response to skin

Question 4

what happens if your too hot

1. erector muscles
2. physical observation and why
3. blood vessels

Answer 4

1. the erector muscles relax
2. sweat is produced on surface of skin through pores in epidermis to evaporate and transfer heat to cool down body
3. the blood vessels widen - vasodilation to allow more blood flow near the surface of the skin to transfer energy to surroundings cooling you down

Question 5

what happens when your too cold

1. erector muscles
2. physical observation and why
3. blood vessels

Answer 5

1. erector muscles contract to trap insulating layer of air keeping your warm
2. no sweat produced / shivering increasing rate of respiration as more energy is transferred to body to keep warm
3. blood vessels constrict - vasoconstriction so less blood flow near surface less energy transferred to surroundings