Key learning points

1. Temperature receptors in the skin and hypothalamus of the brain detect changes in external and blood temperature.
2. When temperature increases, the hypothalamus sends impulses to effectors (sweat glands, muscles in artery walls).
3. When temperature decreases, the hypothalamus sends impulses to effectors (hair erector muscles, artery wall muscles).
4. These autonomic responses work antagonistically to keep body temperature within a narrow range.

Keywords

• Receptor - senses a change in the environment, such as a change in temperature

• Hypothalamus - part of the brain that controls our internal environment, including water balance and body temperature

• Effector - a muscle or gland that carries out a response

• Autonomic - happens without conscious control

• Antagonistic - effectors and effects that work against each other

Common misconception