Thermoregulation Flashcards
Define Thermoregulation
the ability of an organism to maintain a core body temperature and equilibrium in the body
What are thermoreceptors?
specialised nerve cells that detect differences in temperature and send information to the hypothalamus via the CNS
Where are thermoreceptors found?
In the skin and body core
What is brown adipose tissue?
Brown fat found in mammals to protect neonatal body temperature
Which group of animals do not have brown adipose tissue?
Birds
What percentage of heat is produced by brown fat in newborn lambs?
40%
Where is brown adipose tissue found in adult hibernating animals?
Around the heart and blood vessels in the thorax
What 3 ways is heat transferred?
Radiation
Conduction
Convection evaporation (sweating)
Name 3 ways animals cool down
Sweating
Panting
Wetting the body surface
Name 3 ways animals warm up
Any from: Chemical reactions Muscle activity (moving around) Shivering Fermentation of food Chronic exposure to cold
How does chronic cold exposure help animals stay warm?
It gradually increases their metabolic rate which increases the secretion of the thyroid hormones, increasing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system
Name 3 ruminants
Any from: Cattle Sheep Antelope Deer Giraffes Goat
What is distinct about a ruminant’s digestive system (compared to a monogastric?)
They have 4 digestive compartments. Microbes in the rumen ferment feed, producing fatty acids as their main source of energy.
What is the opposite of a ruminant?
A monogastric
How does a counter-current system of blood flow work?
The artery has warmer blood coming from the heart. Heat moves via CONDUCTION to warm blood in the veins.
