Thermoregulation Flashcards
Definition of thermoregulation
The process of maintaining the core body temperature at a nearly constant state.
Normal body temperature ranges
36.2°C to 37.6°C, or an average of 37°C. Fluctuation outside this range is an indication of a disease process, strenuous, or unusual activity, or extreme environmental exposure.
(97°F to 100°F with an average of 98.6°F.)
Definition of normothermia
Normal body temperature. Ranges between 36.5°C and 37.2°C.
Definition of hypothermia
Body temperature below 36.2°C. Frostbite results from exposure to sub normal temperatures.
Definition of hyperthermia
Body temperature above 37.6°C.
Definition of hyperpyrexia
Extremely high body temperature above 41.5°C.
Definition of fever
Elevation in body temperature due to change in the hypothetical setpoint.
Fever represents a complex pathophysiological reaction involving the immune system in response to pyrogens that trigger the hypothalamus in the brain to adjust heat production, heat conservation, and heat loss mechanisms to maintain a higher core temperature, representing an increased hypothalamic set point.
Definition of febrile
A person with a fever
Definition of heat stroke
When prolonged exposure to high environmental temperatures overwhelms the bodies heat loss mechanisms.
Definition of heat exhaustion
When extreme or prolonged exposure to high environmental heat leads to profuse sweating, and consequent water and electrolyte loss.
Where is thermoregulation regulated?
The hypothalamus
Describe normal body temperature fluctuation throughout the day.
Body temperature in the middle of a persons, usual sleeping time will normally be lower, then begins to rise with their normal waking time, and peaks again late in their usual activity. Decreasing again around the persons usual bedtime.
True or false? Body temperature is controlled by the dynamic balance of heat production, conservation, and heat loss.
True
Explain body temperature
Body temperature is the difference between the amount of heat produced by body processes and the amount of heat lost to the external environment.
Facts regarding heat production
Food is the primary fuel source for metabolism.
The amount of heat produced is related to the rate of metabolism.
Factors that can increase heat production:
Exercise
Increased release of epinephrine and norepinephrine
Increased production of thyroid hormones
Definition of core temperature
Temperature of deep tissues
Heat loss is consistent through:
Radiation
Conduction
Convection
Evaporation
Define radiation as it relates to heat loss
The transfer of heat as waves or particles of energy.