Flashcards · Biology · Homeostasis
Thermoregulation and the Skin
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What is the outer layer of the skin?
The epidermis.
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What does the dermis contain?
Sweat glands, hair follicles, blood vessels and receptors.
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Which part of the brain controls body temperature?
The hypothalamus.
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What does the hypothalamus monitor?
The temperature of the blood.
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How does sweat cool the body?
As it evaporates, it takes heat from the skin.
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What is shivering?
Rapid contractions of the muscles that release heat.
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Where does the heat in shivering come from?
Respiration in the muscle cells.
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What do the hairs do when the body is cold?
They stand up and trap a layer of air.
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What do the hairs do when the body is hot?
They lie flat.
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What happens to sweating when it is cold?
The glands release little or no sweat.
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What is the role of the epidermis?
A barrier that stops pathogens getting in and water leaving.
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What is the role of the fat layer?
Stores energy and insulates the body.
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Which receptors send information to the hypothalamus?
Temperature receptors in the skin.
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Name the effectors in thermoregulation.
Sweat glands, muscles and blood vessels in the skin.
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What type of control is thermoregulation?
Negative feedback.
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Common mistake about shivering?
Saying that it cools the body. It releases heat and warms the body.