TEMPERATURE REGULATION :
Humans, like all mammals and birds, are capable of maintaining a more or less constant
temperature irrespective of the temperature of the environment.
They need to regulate body temperature because:
Most of our body’s activities are controlled by enzymes, and enzymes require
optimum temperatures to function. At very high temperatures, the enzymes
become de-natured (explain briefly).
The properties of our cell membranes change when the temperature changes.
The role of the skin in temperature regulation
1. It is very important for the body to keep the body temperature constant at 37⁰ C.
2. The organ responsible for thermoregulation in humans is the skin.
Sweat pore
Epidermis
A
Blood vessel
C B
Sweat gland
3. In humans body temperature is mainly controlled by the blood flow to the skin.
4. The blood flow will also influence the amount of sweat formed by the sweat
glands.
Role of skin in the regulation of Blood Temperature:
Temperature control on a COLD DAY Temperature control on a HOT DAY
1. Cold receptors in skin are 1. Heat receptors in skin are
stimulated stimulated.
2. Stimulus converted to an impulse 2. Stimulus converted to an impulse
and and
transmitted to hypothalamus. transmitted to hypothalamus.
3.Nerve impulses are sent from 3.Nerve impulses are sent from
hypothalamus to blood vessels – hypothalamus to blood vessels –
brings about VASOCONSTRICTION brings about VASODILATION (wide
(narrow diameter) diameter)
LESS blood sent to surface of
skin and LESS heat lost from MORE blood sent to surface
body. of skin and MORE heat lost
LESS blood to sweat glands- from body.
LESS sweat formed and LESS MORE blood to sweat glands-
heat lost by evaporation of MORE sweat formed and
sweat. MORE heat lost by
evaporation of sweat.
4. Temperature of body rises to 4. Temperature of body drops to
normal. normal.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia results when the body temperature drops and remains below 36.9⁰C for a long
period. Persistent exposure to very low temperatures will show the following symptoms:
Dizziness
Numb feeling in hands
Decreased metabolic rate
Drop in heart and respiratory rates
Prevention : Dress warmly in very cold environment.
Drink hot liquids in very cold environment.
Hyperthermia
Hyperthermia results when the body temperature rises and remains above 36.9⁰C for a long
period. Symptoms are:
Increased heart rate
Skin turning red due to vasodilation
Headache and dizziness
Prevention: Drink plenty of liquids during hot weather.
Keep out of the sun; stop prolonged exercise ; move to cooler
environment; apply wet cloths.
HOMEOSTASIS
Homeostasis is the maintenance of the internal environment of the body
within certain limits.
ACTIVITY 1: Explain the importance of controlling the following factors in the
tissue fluid:
A constant body temperature of 37⁰C
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
The glucose supply to all cells
_____________________________________________________________
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The oxygen level
_____________________________________________________________
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Excess carbon dioxide need to be removed
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The water concentration in the tissue fluid
______________________________________________________________
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ACTIVITY 2
2.1 Study the diagrams below of sections through the skin and answer the
questions that follow
2.1.1 a. Which diagram, A or B, indicates a greater blood flow to the skin?
Give ONE reason for your answer. (2)
2.1.2 Which diagram, A or B, represents the skin losing more heat to
the external environment? (1)
2.1.3 Explain how the formation of sweat will results in heat lost. (3)
(6)
2.2 Study the following diagrams and answer the questions following it:
A
A
B
sweat
B C
C
D
D
Diagram I snake
Diagram
IIIDiagram III
Diagram II
2.2.1 How will the diameter of the skin capillaries of the person in
Diagram I compare with those of the person in Diagram II? (2)
2.2.2 Choose the letter of the gland in Diagram III that can be associated
with the condition of the skin capillaries in the person in Diagram I. (1)
2.2.3 Explain your answer in QUESTION 2.2.2 by referring to the
changes that occur in the skin capillaries in the person in Diagram I
when the body prepares for an emergency. (7)
2.2.4 Give the letter of the gland in Diagram III that will be affected first if
the metabolic rate of the person in Diagram II needs to be lowered (1)
at the end of the race.
2.2.5 Explain the role played by the gland named in QUESTION 2.2.4 in (4)
lowering the metabolic rate.
(14)
2.3 Study the following graphs showing changes in the skin and core temperature
of a human over time. Core temperature is the temperature deep inside the
body.
Temperature (C)
Graphs showing changes in the skin and core
temperatures of a human over time
38,0
Graph A
37,5 Graph B
37,0
36,5
36,0
X Y
Time (hours)
2.3.1 Which graph (A or B) is a possible representation of the skin (1)
temperature?
2.3.2 Explain your answer in QUESTION 2.3.1. (3)
2.3.3 What deduction can you make from the shape of graph B? (2)
2.3.4 State TWO body temperature related changes that might be taking
place in the skin between periods X and Y. (2)
2.3.5 What is the condition called when the body is exposed to very cold
temperatures for a prolonged period? (1)
(9)
ACTIVITY 1
A constant body temperature of 37⁰C to ensure optimal enzyme activity
The glucose supply to all cells need to be controlled since glucose is required
for cell respiration supplying energy
The oxygen needs to be controlled since oxygen is required for respiration
Excess carbon dioxide need to be removed since carbon dioxide will form
carbonic acid decreasing the pH
The water in the tissue fluid needs to be controlled since water is essential for
metabolism.
ACTIVITY 2
2.1.1(a) B√
(b) the blood vessels are dilated/transport more blood√ (2)
2.1.2 B√ (1)
2.1.3 Increased blood flow will form more sweat√
Liquid changing to water vapour requires energy/heat√
Heat is lost from the skin√
The body cools down√
(any 3) (3)
(6)
2.2.1 The diameter in person I will decrease√
The diameter in person II will increase√ (2)
2.2.2 D√ (1)
2.2.3 Adrenalin√ causes the skin capillaries to constrict√
To ensure that more blood √is directed to
Brain/lungs/heart/muscles (or any other relevant part)√
To provide more glucose/fuel√
And oxygen√
To increase the reparation rate√
To provide more energy√
To deal with the emergency√
(any7) (7)
2.2.4 C√ (1)
2.2.5 it decreases metabolism√
To prevent the body from using to much oxygen√
And glucose√
And return to normal metabolic rate√ (4)
(15)
2.3.1 B √ (1)
2.3.2 The core temperature remains fairly constant/fluctuates around 37⁰C√
In graph A temperatures increase quite high√ and also quite low√ (3)
2.3.3 It fluctuates around 37⁰C/ remain fairly constant√√ (2)
2.3.4 Blood vessels will dilate√
More sweat will be produced by sweat gland√ (2)
2.3.5 Hypothermia√ (1)
(9)
