5.1.6 Control of Body Temperature

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The thermoregulatory centre which monitors and controls body temperature is found in the brain.

Has receptors that monitor the temperature of the blood
Has receptors in the skin that send impulses to the thermoregulatory centre Human body temperature is 37.5 degrees celsius.

If it becomes too high:

Sweat (evaporates from skin surface resulting in increased energy transfer away from body) is produced from sweat glands
Vasodilation means more blood flows closer to the surface of the skin, resulting in increased energy transfer from the body

If it decreases too much:

Sweating stops
Skeletal muscles contract rapidly (shivering) to generate heat from respiration
Hairs stand on end to create an insulating layer, trapping warm air
Vasoconstriction means blood does not flow so close to the surface, resulting in less heat lost

infoNote

Study tip: You need to be able to explain how these mechanisms work in a given context/situation.

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