5.2.4 - Control of body temperature

Question 1

What part of the brain monitors and controls body temperature?

Answer 1

Thermoregulatory centre

Question 2

How can the thermoregulatory centre detect body temperature (2 ways)

Answer 2

Thermoregulatory centre contains receptors sensitive to the temperature of the blood
The skin contains temperature receptors and sends nervous impulses to the thermoregulatory centre.

Question 3

3 responses to body temperature being too low

Answer 3

-vasoconstriction - less blood flows near surface of skin and less heat energy lost to surroundings - CONSERVE HEAT
-contract erector muscles so hairs stand on end - trap a small layer of insulating hair, so it’s harder to lose heat from the skin - CONSERVE HEAT
-shivering - involuntary muscle contraction - requires energy from respiration which releases heat energy - GENERATE HEAT

Question 4

3 responses to body temperature being too high

Answer 4

-vasodilation- more blood flows near surface of skin and more heat energy lost to surroundings
-erector muscles relax so hairs lie flat
-produce sweat (mixture of water and salt). Sweat evaporates from our skin, taking heat energy away with it because lots of energy is required to evaporate water.