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Thermoregulation: body temperature control

Homeostasis and response • The human nervous system

Key concepts

What you'll likely be quizzed about

  • The thermoregulatory centre, located in the hypothalamus, monitors body temperature through temperature receptors.
  • These receptors detect blood temperature flowing through the brain, while skin receptors sense external temperature and send signals to the thermoregulatory centre.
  • This centre integrates the information and sends electrical impulses to effectors to prompt appropriate responses.
  • Temperature regulation relies on negative feedback.
  • If temperature deviates from the set point, the centre activates mechanisms to restore it to the correct level.
  • Signals travel quickly through the nervous system, allowing for immediate adjustments via electrical impulses along neurones to muscles and glands.

Flashcards

Test your knowledge with interactive flashcards

What does vasoconstriction do, and how does it conserve heat?

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Vasoconstriction is the contraction of arteriolar muscles, which narrows blood vessels and reduces skin blood flow, limiting heat loss from the body's surface.

Key notes

Important points to keep in mind

The thermoregulatory centre integrates signals from blood temperature receptors and skin receptors.

Negative feedback mechanisms counter deviations from the temperature set point.

Vasodilation occurs when arteriole muscles relax, raising skin blood flow and promoting heat loss.

Sweating relies on evaporation; high humidity can impair its cooling effectiveness and increase dehydration risk.

Vasoconstriction results from contracted arteriolar muscles, reducing blood flow to the skin and heat loss.

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