4.5.2.4 Control of Body Temperature

Where is the thermoregulatory centre found and what does it do?

It’s found in the brain and it monitors and controls body temperature

What is the human body temperature?

37.5 degrees Celsius

What happens if human body temperature becomes too high?

Sweat, which evaporates from the skin surface resulting in increased energy transfer away from the body, is produced from the sweat glands and vasodilation

What happens if human body temperature becomes too low?

Sweating stops, skeletal muscles contract rapidly to generate heat from respiration, hairs stand on end to create an insulating layer which traps warm air, and vasoconstriction

What is vasodilation?

When more blood flows closer to the surface of the skin, resulting in increased energy transfer from the body

What is vasoconstriction?

When blood doesn’t flow close to the surface, resulting in less heat lost