Control of body temperature

What is thermoregulation?

The control of our internal body temperature.

What is homeostasis?

The process of maintaining a stable internal environment so that cells can function properly.

What temperature must or bodies be kept at?

37 degrees.

This is the perfect temperature for our enzymes to function. Below this, enzymes slow down. Above this, enzymes denature.

Where is the thermoregulatory centre?

Part of the hypothalamus. Acts as a thermostat in our bodies.

What do we have throughout our bodies that detect temperature changes?

Receptors. Most found in skin and blood vessels.

What do we have to do in order to warm up?

• Conserve heat

• Generate more heat

How do we conserve our heat with blood vessels?

Our blood vessels near surface of skin constrict (vasoconstriction).

Less blood flows near the surface so less heat energy is lost to surroundings.

How do we conserve our heat with erector muscles?

• Erector muscles cause our hairs to stand on end.

• Traps a layer of insulating air to help keep us warm.

How do we generate more body heat?

• we shiver - muscles contract automatically. Requires lots of energy from respiration. This reaction results in heat energy being produced as waste.

What does our body do to cool down?

• Erector muscles relax - hairs fall flat.

• Blood vessels vasodilate (expand) so more heat energy can be transferred to surroundings.

• Produce sweat, a mixture of water and salt. As sweat evaporates, it takes heat energy from our body away with it.