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The diagram shows a brain with the thermoregulatory centre labelled - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 6 - 2015 - Paper 1
Question 6
The diagram shows a brain with the thermoregulatory centre labelled. (a) (i) Complete the sentence by putting a cross (X) in the box next to your answer. The part ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows a brain with the thermoregulatory centre labelled - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 6 - 2015 - Paper 1
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Step 2
Explain how the blood vessels in the skin help to control internal body temperature
Answer
The thermoregulatory centre plays a critical role in maintaining internal body temperature by regulating blood flow to the skin. When the body is hot, vasodilation occurs, causing the blood vessels near the surface of the skin to widen. This increases blood flow to the skin's surface, allowing heat to dissipate into the environment, cooling the body.
Conversely, when the body is cold, vasoconstriction occurs, and the blood vessels narrows. This reduces blood flow near the skin's surface, conserving body heat and maintaining a stable internal temperature. Such adjustments in blood vessel diameter are essential for effective temperature regulation.