Thermoregulation

Question 1

what is thermoregulation?

Answer 1

keeping the internal body temperature at a constant 37 degrees

Question 2

what do receptors in the body detect?

Answer 2

they detect the internal temperature of blood

Question 3

what do receptors in the epidermis do?

Answer 3

send nerve impulses to the brain

Question 4

name the four things that happen when we are too HOT

Answer 4

• vasodilation
• hair erector muscles relax
• blood vessels dilate
• sweat glands release sweat

Question 5

why do blood vessels dilate?

Answer 5

so that blood flows close to surface and more heat energy is transferred to surroundings

Question 6

why is sweat released?

Answer 6

so that heat energy can evapourate into surroundings

Question 7

name the four things that happen when we are too COLD

Answer 7

• vasoconstriction
• hair erector muscles contract
• blood vessels constrict
• muscles contract rapidly (shiver)

Question 8

why do hair erector muscles contract?

Answer 8

to act as an insulator and trap in air

Question 9

why do we shiver?

Answer 9

so that waste heat energy can be produced from respiration

Question 10

why does the blood vessels constrict?

Answer 10

so that less blood flows close to surface and heat is conserved