Thermoregulation

Thermoregulation

The process of maintaining a stable internal body temperature

Hypothalamus

The part of the brain that controls body temperature like a thermostat

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body

Temperature receptors

Sensors in the skin and body that detect temperature changes

Sweating

The release of sweat that cools the body through evaporation

Evaporation

The process where liquid sweat turns into vapor and removes heat

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels to release heat from the body

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels to conserve body heat

Hair erector muscles

Small muscles attached to hair follicles that control hair position

Hair relaxation

Hairs lie flat to reduce insulation and help release heat

Hair contraction

Hairs stand up to trap warm air and conserve heat

Goosebumps

The visible effect of hair contraction when the body is cold

Shivering

Rapid involuntary muscle contractions that generate heat

No sweating

The stopping of sweat production to prevent heat loss

Heat loss

The release of heat from the body to the environment