Thermoregulation

Thermoregulation

Body temperature is monitored and controlled by the thermoregulatory centre in the brain which contains receptors sensitive to the temperature of the blood.
The skin contains temperature receptors and sends nervous impulses to the brain.
If the body temperature is too high arterioles near the skin’s surface dilate (vasodilation), increasing blood flow so more heat is lost from the body via convection, conduction, and radiation. Sweat is produced from sweat glands, so energy is taken from the body as it evaporates.
If the body temperature is too low arterioles near the surface of the skin constrict (vasoconstriction), minimising blood flow and heat loss. Sweating stops, and skeletal muscles involuntarily contract and relax quickly (shiver) to generate heat

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