Regulation of Temperature (Thermoregulation)

Define Thermoregulation

the process of regulating body temperature within its tolerance limits. It is the maintenance of balance between heat production and heat loss. Both of these values should be equal.

Why is thermoregulation important?

Cells in our body perform chemical reactions (metabolism), which have an optimum temperature of 37 degrees Celsius. These reactions occur more efficiently when the temperature is maintained

Results of increased body temp

• Nerve malfunction

• Change in the structure of proteins (denature enzymes)

• Death

Why is our internal body temperature usually warmer than our surroundings?

Metabolic activity of the cells in our body produces heat (heat input) → increases body temp

What is referred to as heat loss (output)

when body increases in metabolic activity (due to strenous activity - exercise), it needs to remove the resulting heat from our internal environment

How does heat exchange occur in the skin?

• Conduction - transfer via direct contact

• Convection - transfer by the movement of a liquid or gas

• Radiation - transfer by infrared radiation being emitted by objects

• Evaporation - liquid forming a gas, which absorbs heat energy

what is metabolic rate?

Metabolic rate is the rate at which energy is released by the breakdown of food. 

define sweating

the active secretion of fluid by the sweat glands and the periodic contraction of cells surrounding the ducts to pump the sweat to the skin surface

define shivering

compare heat stroke and heat exhaustion