Homeostasis and Thermoregulation

Front

What is homeostasis?

Back

Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Front

What body system controls thermoregulation?

Back

The nervous system controls thermoregulation.

Front

What is thermoregulation?

Back

Thermoregulation is the process by which the body maintains its core internal temperature.

Front

What happens to the body when it gets cold?

Back

The body responds by shivering and vasoconstriction of blood vessels to conserve heat.

Front

What is the role of effectors in homeostasis?

Back

Effectors respond to signals from the control center to bring about changes that restore balance.

Front

What is the function of receptors in thermoregulation?

Back

Receptors detect changes in the environment and send information to the control center.

Front

What is vasodilation?

Back

Vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the skin to release heat.

Front

What is vasoconstriction?

Back

Vasoconstriction is the narrowing of blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the skin to conserve heat.

Front

How does sweating help in thermoregulation?

Back

Sweating cools the body down through evaporation, helping to lower body temperature.

Front

What is the control center in thermoregulation?

Back

The control center, often the hypothalamus, processes information from receptors and determines the response.