Homeostasis and Thermoregulation Flashcards
What is the definition of homeostasis?
It means the maintenance if a constant internal environment despite change in the surroundings.
What are examples of things that need to be controlled in homeostasis?
Body temperature, glucose content and water levels.
What is thermoregulation?
To control body temperature at a regular temperature at a constant rate.
How do our blood vessels heat us up?
Blood vessels constrict which reduces the amount of blood that flows past the skin. Therefore less heat is lost. This is called ‘vasoconstriction’.
How do our blood vessels cool us down?
Blood vessels dilate which increases the amount of blood that flows past the skin. Therefore more heat is lost. This is called ‘vasodilation’.
How does sweating cool us down?
The thermoregulatory centre’s receptors react and make the sweat glands secrete sweat. When the sweating evaporates, it carries thermal energy from the skin, cooling you down. When the sweat evaporates, it carries thermal energy from the skin, cooling it down.
How does shivering heat us up?
Respiration occurs in muscles to help the body shiver, heating the body.
How do hairs heat us up?
Erector muscles contract and pull hairs up. Hairs create insulating layers to trap the heat and keep it in.
How does hair cool us down?
Erector muscles relax and hairs lay flat. This releases all heat that the hair trapped.
