Thermoregulation Flashcards
Thermoregulation control
The receptors in the hypothalamus detect the change in temperature and send signals out via the CNS to increase or decrease temperature depending if it went above or below 37 degrees through many ways
Eg send signals to the skin to sweat when the body is over 37 degrees
What controls body temperature
Thermoregulation
Shivering
When we are too cold, muscles start to contract automatically. This makes us shiver.
This process needs energy, which is generated through respiration.
Respiration produces heat, which warms us up.
Sweating
Sweat glands (in the middle layer of skin, called the dermis) release sweat, which covers the outer layer of skin (the epidermis).
Heat energy from the body is transferred to the water in this sweat and, when it has enough energy, it evaporates.
As it evaporates, it takes the heat energy with it. This lowers the average temperature of the body.
Body hair too hot
When we are too hot, the hair erector muscle relaxes. This causes the hair to lie flat
Body hit too cold
When we are too cold, the hair erector muscle contracts. This causes the hair to stand on end (which pull on the skin giving you goosebumps).
When all the hairs are standing on end, they trap an insulating layer of air around the body.
The reaction to temperature change
Relax
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