5.2.4 - Control of Body Temperature

Where is body temperature controlled in the body?

By the thermoregulatory center in the hypothalamus of the brain.

How is temperature monitored by the body?

• Thermoregulatory center has receptors sensitive to blood temperature.

• Skin has receptors sensitive to skin temperature - sends impulses to thermoregulatory center.

What physiological changes occur when the body temperature is too high?

• Vasodilation: blood vessels near the surface of the skin dilate - more heat is radiated away.

• Sweating: evaporation of water takes away heat energy from the surface of the skin.

What physiological changes occur when the body temperature is too low?

• Vasoconstriction: blood vessels near the surface of the skin constrict - less heat radiated away.

• Shivering: respiration allows muscles to contract. It is an exothermic process, so heat energy is released.

• Sweating stops.