Thermoregulation

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to thermoregulation, including mechanisms of heat production, loss, and the physiological processes involved.

Homeothermic

Organisms that can maintain a stable internal body temperature despite changes in environmental temperature.

Core temperature

The temperature of the organs within the skull and the thoracic and abdominal cavities, which is precisely regulated.

Shell temperature

The temperature of the body's surfaces, which can vary considerably.

Radiation

Heat loss in the form of electromagnetic waves; about 60% of body heat is lost this way.

Conduction

Transfer of heat between objects in direct contact; less effective in air than in water.

Convection

Heat exchange enhanced through movement of air or water next to the body.

Evaporation

Process by which water molecules absorb heat and escape as gas, contributing to heat loss.

Fever

A controlled hyperthermia where the body temperature is raised above normal, often due to infection.

Hypothermia

A condition where body temperature falls below 95°F, with various degrees of severity.

Heat Exhaustion

A less severe condition resulting from elevated body temperature, ongoing heat loss mechanisms and dehydration.

Heat Stroke

A severe emergency condition where the body loses its ability to regulate temperature, posing serious health risks.

Piloerection

Contraction of arrector pili muscles causing hair to stand on end, serving as an insulator.

Thermoregulation

The mechanism by which the body regulates its internal temperature.

Vasodilation

Widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow and heat loss.

Vasoconstriction

Narrowing of blood vessels to conserve body heat.

Norepinephrine

A hormone that increases metabolic rate and enhances heat production in response to cold.

Thyroxine

A hormone released by the thyroid that increases metabolic rate and heat production.

Prostaglandins

Chemical secretions that act on the hypothalamus to reset body temperature set points during fever.