Corrective Responses to an Increase in Body Temperature

Introduction

• The human body has mechanisms to prevent overheating and maintain a stable internal temperature.
• Corrective responses are crucial in regulating body temperature when it rises.

Vasodilation

• Vasodilation is a process where blood vessels widen, allowing more blood to flow to the skin's surface.
• This mechanism facilitates heat loss from the body.

Increased Sweat Rate

• Another response to increased body temperature is an elevated sweat rate.
• Sweat is produced by sweat glands, and its evaporation from the skin's surface cools the body.
• The conversion of sweat into vapour helps lower body temperature.

Decrease in Metabolic Rate

• To reduce the generation of excess heat, the body can lower its metabolic rate.
• Metabolism is the process by which the body converts food into energy, and this process generates heat as a byproduct.
• A decrease in metabolic rate results in less heat production.

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Corrective Responses to an Increase in Body Temperature

Summary

• The body employs several corrective responses to counteract an increase in body temperature.
• Vasodilation widens blood vessels to promote heat loss through the skin.
• Increased sweat rate allows for evaporative cooling.
• Lowering the metabolic rate reduces heat production, helping maintain a stable internal temperature.