The role of the skin in thermoregulation
I can describe the roles of various parts of the skin in controlling human body temperature.
The role of the skin in thermoregulation
I can describe the roles of various parts of the skin in controlling human body temperature.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Human body temperature needs to be kept within a small range, around 37°C, to maintain body functions and health.
- Changes in the external environment can cause the internal body temperature to change.
- When temperature decreases, responses (erection of hairs, vasoconstriction) help to return body temperature to normal.
- When temperature increases, responses (sweating, vasodilation) help to return body temperature to normal.
Common misconception
Understanding why the physiological responses to higher or lower body temperatures occur is often confused, because although the processes themselves are familiar, the reasons behind them are not.
Detail has been included to explain carefully and one at a time the reasons for a range of physiological responses to high or low body temperature, and these are illustrated with clear, familiar diagrams.
Keywords
Vasoconstriction - The narrowing of blood vessels, reducing blood flow through them.
Insulation - A material that transfers energy by conduction very slowly or not at all.
Radiation - The process of emitting energy, often in the form of infrared waves, from an object.
Vasodilation - The widening of blood vessels, increasing blood flow through them.
Equipment
None required.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
hair
epidermis
erector pili muscle
sweat gland
temperature receptor
venule
This reduces blood flow to the surface of the skin.
This increases blood flow to the surface of the skin.
