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Thermoregulation in Skin - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 10:46, 7 August 2008
, 10:46, 7 August 2008no edit summary
==Introduction==
==Introduction==
In order to maintain a constant body temperature as is possible in '''homeotherms''', heat must be transported to the surface of the skin via the blood and released into the environment. The cooled blood then returns to the body core, thus reducing core temperature. If heat from metabolism were not removed from the body, the core temperature of mammals and birds would increase by approximately 2.5 C per hour.
==Physiology==
When the body's heat production is stable, the blood flowing into the [[Skin - Anatomy & Physiology#Dermis|dermis]] is regulated depending on changes in ambient temperature. The purpose of this regulation is to ensure that the difference in temperature between the skin's surface and the environment remains constant, thus regulating heat loss and maintaining an almost constant body temperature. When heat production increases, blood flow to the '''dermis''' also increases, which, in turn, increases the heat lost from the skin to the same rate as the excess heat production.
When the body's heat production is stable, the blood flowing into the [[Skin - Anatomy & Physiology#Dermis|dermis]] is regulated depending on changes in ambient temperature. The purpose of this regulation is to ensure that the difference in temperature between the skin's surface and the environment remains constant, thus regulating heat loss and maintaining an almost constant body temperature. When heat production increases, blood flow to the '''dermis''' also increases, which, in turn, increases the heat lost from the skin to the same rate as the excess heat production.
Heat transported from the body core to the skin's surface, will pass through '''subcutaneous adipose tissue''', dermis, and finally to the [[Skin - Anatomy & Physiology#Epidermis|epidermis]], after which, the heat passes through air trapped in [[Hair - Anatomy & Physiology|fur]] or [[Feather - Anatomy & Physiology|plumage]]. Adipose tissue is a poor conductor of heat, therefore, even a thin layer will confer some insulation against heat loss.
Heat transported from the body core to the skin's surface, will pass through '''subcutaneous adipose tissue''', dermis, and finally to the [[Skin - Anatomy & Physiology#Epidermis|epidermis]], after which, the heat passes through air trapped in [[Hair - Anatomy & Physiology|fur]] or [[Feather - Anatomy & Physiology|plumage]]. Adipose tissue is a poor conductor of heat, therefore, even a thin layer will confer some insulation against heat loss.