Thermoregulation Flashcards

1️⃣ Familiarise yourself with the flashcards:

  • Look through all the flashcards to see what's on both sides.
  • Make sure you understand the information on each card. If something's unclear, click the link to the revision notes at the bottom of the page for more details.

2️⃣ Test yourself:

  • Look at the question or prompt on each card and try to remember the answer before flipping it over.
  • Check the answer and make a note of any cards you find challenging and need to go over more.

3️⃣ Consistently Review and Practice:

  • Use spaced repetition: spend more time on the cards you struggle with and go over them more often.
  • Regularly review all the flashcards to help you better understand and retain the information over time.

Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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What is thermoregulation?

Thermoregulation is the control of body temperature to keep it within a safe, steady range.

What is the normal core body temperature in humans and why is it important?

The normal core body temperature is about 37 °C. It is important because most enzymes in our cells work best at this temperature.

Which part of the brain controls body temperature, and what does it do?

The thermoregulatory centre in the hypothalamus controls body temperature. It checks temperature information and sends signals to effectors to warm or cool the body.

What changes happen in your body when you get too hot?

When you get too hot you sweat more, blood vessels in the skin widen, and body hairs lie flat to help you lose more heat.

What is vasodilation and how does it help cool the body?

Vasodilation is when blood vessels near the skin surface widen. This lets more warm blood flow close to the surface, so more heat is lost to the air.

How does sweating help to reduce body temperature?

Sweat glands release sweat onto the skin. As the sweat evaporates, it uses heat from your skin, which cools you down.

What changes happen in your body when you get too cold?

When you get too cold you shiver, blood vessels in the skin narrow, and body hairs are pulled upright to help reduce heat loss.

What is vasoconstriction and how does it help keep you warm?

Vasoconstriction is when blood vessels near the skin surface narrow. This reduces blood flow to the skin, so less heat is lost to the surroundings.

How does shivering help to increase body temperature?

When you shiver, your muscles contract quickly and repeatedly. This muscle activity releases energy as heat, which warms the body.

What is meant by negative feedback in thermoregulation?

Negative feedback is when a change in body temperature triggers responses that bring the temperature back to normal, reversing the original change.

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