MedSci205 Module: Energetics - Thermoregulation

Vocabulary flashcards for thermoregulation in normal and extreme environments.

Homeotherm

An animal that maintains a stable internal body temperature regardless of external influence.

Heat

Energy in transit from one object to another due to a temperature difference.

Temperature

A measure of the average kinetic energy of the atoms and molecules in a system, not heat itself.

Conduction

Heat transfer through direct contact.

Convection

Heat transfer through fluid movement.

Evaporation

Heat loss through the change of state from liquid to gas.

Radiation

Heat transfer via electromagnetic waves.

Thermoregulation

The process of maintaining a stable internal body temperature.

Core Temperature

Tightly maintained internal body temperature.

Shell Temperature

Highly variable temperature of the skin.

Piloerection

Trapping a layer of air between skin and hair for insulation.

Hyperthermia

Body temperature increases.

Hypothermia

Body temperature decreases.

Acclimatization

Improved heat tolerance resulting from chronic heat exposure which Increases sweating and minimizes change in core temperature

Vasodilation

Increase sun surface radiation through guidon of arteries controlling blood flow to skin

Vasoconstriction

Contraction of hair tonnes.

Metabolism

The body produces heat from this bodily function.

Brown adipose tissue

Specialized tissue to produce heat. Is prone to heat loss in small animals

shivering

Increases metabolic heat production