Controlling Body Temperature Flashcards
Homeostasis and Response (13 cards)
What does the body need to balance to keep core body temperature constant?
The amount of energy gained and lost
Energy gained can come from processes like respiration, while energy lost can occur through various means such as heat loss to the environment.
Where is the thermoregulatory centre located?
In the brain
This centre contains receptors sensitive to the temperature of the blood flowing through the brain.
What information does the thermoregulatory centre receive?
Impulses from temperature receptors in the skin
This provides information about skin temperature.
What happens when temperature receptors detect that core body temperature is too high?
The thermoregulatory centre triggers effectors automatically
This helps in cooling down the body.
What happens when temperature receptors detect that core body temperature is too low?
The thermoregulatory centre triggers effectors automatically
This helps in warming up the body.
What are effectors in the context of thermoregulation?
Structures like sweat glands and muscles that produce a response
They counteract changes in body temperature.
What is the role of effectors that work antagonistically?
They allow for a more sensitive response to temperature changes
One effector may heat while another cools at the same time.
What response occurs when the body is TOO HOT?
Sweat is produced, blood vessels dilate
Sweat helps cool the body through evaporation.
What does the body do when it is TOO COLD?
Hairs stand up, blood supply to the skin is shut off, muscles contract to shiver
These responses help conserve heat and generate warmth.
What is vasodilation?
The dilation of blood vessels supplying the skin
This allows more blood to flow close to the skin’s surface, aiding in heat loss.
What is vasoconstriction?
The constriction of blood vessels supplying the skin
This reduces blood flow to the skin, helping to retain heat.
Fill in the blank: When you’re cold, ______ stand up to trap an insulating layer of air.
Hairs
What is the purpose of shivering?
To generate heat by contracting muscles
Shivering requires respiration, which transfers energy to warm the body.
