Thermoregulation Flashcards
What is thermoregulation?
Process that the body uses to restore the internal temperature back to normal homeostasis
Which body parts are involved with thermoregulation?
Brain, sweat glands, muscles, and blood vessels
How does the brain assist with thermoregulation?
The brain has cells that can detect changes in body temperature. It sends a signal to the muscles, sweat glands, and blood vessels to take action and regulate body temperature when it gets too hot or too cold
How do sweat glands assist with thermoregulation?
when internal temp is TOO HIGH, the sweat glands release water in the form of sweat. As sweat evaporates on the skin, it produces a cooling effect.
How do blood vessels assist with thermoregulation?
When internal temp is TOO HIGH, the blood vessels relax and get bigger in order to release heat
When internal temp is TOO LOW, the blood vessels constrict and get smaller in order to trap heat
How do the muscles assist with thermoregulation?
When internal temp is TOO LOW, the muscles contract and start to shake in order to generate heat (this shake is called a “shiver”)
