Thermoregulation refers to the maintenance of a constant internal body temperature in living organisms, despite changes in the surrounding environment.

The normal body temperature for a human is around 37°C (98.6°F).

The two types of thermoregulation are endothermy and ectothermy. Endothermic organisms (like mammals and birds) generate their own heat to maintain a constant body temperature, while ectothermic organisms (like reptiles and fish) rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature.

The three stages of thermoregulation in humans are sensing, processing, and responding. Sensing involves detecting changes in the external environment, processing involves integrating the sensory information and making a decision about how to respond, and responding involves actually carrying out the response (e.g. sweating or shivering).

Physiological responses to heat include sweating, vasodilation (expansion of blood vessels), and increased breathing rate.

Physiological responses to cold include shivering, vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), and piloerection (raising of body hair).

The hypothalamus is the part of the brain that regulates body temperature. It receives information about the body’s internal and external temperature and coordinates the appropriate responses to maintain a constant temperature.

Fever is a temporary increase in body temperature, usually in response to an infection or illness. The higher temperature helps the body fight off the infection by making it harder for bacteria and viruses to survive.

Hyperthermia is an abnormally high body temperature, typically above 40°C (104°F). It can be caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, strenuous physical activity in hot weather, or certain medical conditions.

Hypothermia is an abnormally low body temperature, typically below 35°C (95°F). It can be caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, immersion in cold water, or certain medical conditions.