Temperature regulation

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• published: 25 Sep 2015
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Temperature Regulation By the end of the lesson you should know How the body corrects overheating how does skin regulate body temperature hypothalamus temperature regulation How the body corrects overcooling What thermocreceptors do? What volutary responses are carried out to control temperature voluntary responses Why do we need to regulate: Internal body temperature To provide the optimum conditions for enzyme-catalysed reactions to be carried out. temperature regulation Body Temperature Normal internal body temperature is 370C. Temperatures above this: denature enzymes and block metabolic pathways Temperatures below this: slow down metabolism and affect the brain. Water Bath Temperature set on thermostat Too cool? Heater kicks on and temperature goes up Too warm? Heater stays off until bath cools down Constant checking and turning on and off Control of homeostasis through feedback Feedback system- cycle of events in which the status of a body condition is continually monitored, evaluated, changed, re-monitored, re-evaluated, etc. 3 basic components of a feedback system 1) receptor sensor that responds to changes (stimuli) 2) control centre sets range of values, evaluates input and sends output 3) effector receives output from control centre and produces a response Body Temperature Control The hypothalamus acts as a thermostat and receives nerve impulses from heat and cold thermoreceptors in the skin. There are also receptors in the hypothalamus- called central thermoreceptors. These detect changes in blood temperature. Vasoconstriction and Vasodilatation Correction of overheating Detected by thermoreceptors in the hypothalamus. Causes vasodilation. Sweating Cooling down When it's hot and you need to cool down, muscles at each hair relax. Hairs lie close to the skin. Air does not act as an insulating layer. Sweating How does it work? Heat energy in the body is used to convert the water in sweat to vapour cooling down the body. Correction of overcooling Detected by thermoreceptors in the hypothalamus. Causes vasoconstriction. Decreased sweating Shivering Keeping warm When it's cold, the muscle contracts pulls the hair up. A layer of warm air accumulates around the hair and insulates the organism. Heat retained Shivering How does it work? Voluntary responses In humans the cerebrum “makes” people feel cold or hot. They can then e.g. put on more clothes, eat a hot meal, exercise etc as appropriate.