Environmental Emergencies and Thermoregulation

Vocabulary flashcards related to thermoregulation, hyperthermia, and heat cramps.

Thermoregulation

The maintenance of body temperature.

Core Temperature

Approximately 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

Thermoregulatory Center

Located in the hypothalamus, it regulates body temperature.

Central Thermoreceptors

Found in the hypothalamus, sensitive to temperature changes, and send messages to skeletal muscles.

Peripheral Thermoreceptors

Found on the skin and mucous membranes, containing both cold and warm receptors.

Hyperthermia

Condition caused by being in a hot environment or exercising vigorously in a hot environment.

Heat Cramps

Muscle cramps that develop and affect the most tired muscles, caused by losing too much water and sodium.

S/S of Heat Cramps

Alert but with hot, sweaty skin, tachycardia, normal blood pressure, and complaints of muscle cramping.