Homeostasis - Thermoregulation (GCSE Biology)
Thermoregulation
Homeostasis and Body Temperature
- The hypothalamus monitors body temperature. A change in temperature is detected by thermoregulatory centre in hypothalamus. This centre detects blood temperature in the brain using receptors, and also gets feedback from receptors in the the skin.
- The skin has many temperature receptors. Thermoreceptors in the skin send feedback to the hypothalamus, which is incredibly important in making sure that the body temperature stays around 37ºC. There is also feedback from other temperature receptors, but the skin receptors are the most important.
- It is important to maintain temperature for enzyme function. 37ºC is the optimum temperature for most of the body’s enzymes and at which metabolic reactions take place. Homeostasis works to make sure we stay at this temperature. If the temperature increases greater than this, enzymes will denature and if the temperature is lower than the this, the enzymes will work too slowly.
Homeostasis in biology is the ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment.
Thermoregulation is the process by which an organism regulates its body temperature within a narrow range despite changes in the external environment.
The two types of thermoregulation in animals are endothermy and ectothermy. Endotherms regulate their body temperature through internal heat production, while ectotherms rely on external sources of heat.
The body regulates its temperature through a number of mechanisms, including sweating, shivering, and vasodilation or vasoconstriction of blood vessels.
Sweat is produced by sweat glands in the skin and helps to cool the body by evaporating from the skin surface. This reduces the body’s temperature and helps to maintain homeostasis.
Shivering is a reflexive response to cold that involves rapid contractions of muscles to generate heat. This helps to raise the body’s temperature and maintain homeostasis.
Vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the skin and helps to dissipate heat. Vasoconstriction is the narrowing of blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the skin and helps to conserve heat.
Failing to regulate body temperature can lead to a number of health problems, including hypothermia and hyperthermia. These conditions can cause serious illness or even death if left untreated.
To maintain thermoregulation in our daily lives, we should dress appropriately for the weather, stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, and seek medical attention if we experience symptoms of hypothermia or hyperthermia.
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