The Human Nervous System (OCR GCSE Biology A (Gateway Science Suite)): Revision Notes
📚 Revision Notes
5.1.6 Control of Body Temperature
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The thermoregulatory centre which monitors and controls body temperature is found in the brain.
- Has receptors that monitor the temperature of the blood
- Has receptors in the skin that send impulses to the thermoregulatory centre Human body temperature is 37.5 degrees celsius.
If it becomes too high:
- Sweat (evaporates from skin surface resulting in increased energy transfer away from body) is produced from sweat glands
- Vasodilation means more blood flows closer to the surface of the skin, resulting in increased energy transfer from the body
If it decreases too much:
- Sweating stops
- Skeletal muscles contract rapidly (shivering) to generate heat from respiration
- Hairs stand on end to create an insulating layer, trapping warm air
- Vasoconstriction means blood does not flow so close to the surface, resulting in less heat lost
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Study tip: You need to be able to explain how these mechanisms work in a given context/situation.