Difference between revisions of "Thermoregulation - Anatomy & Physiology"
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− | {{ | + | {{toplink |
− | == | + | |backcolour = FAFAD2 |
+ | |linkpage =Endocrine System - Anatomy & Physiology | ||
+ | |linktext =Endocrine System | ||
+ | |linkpage =Endocrine System - Hypothalamus - Anatomy & Physiology | ||
+ | |linktext =Hypothalamus - Anatomy & Physiology | ||
+ | |maplink = Endocrine System (Content Map) - Anatomy & Physiology | ||
+ | |pagetype =Anatomy | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | <br> | ||
− | Thermoregulation is the ability of an endothermic organism to maintain a relatively constant body temperature | + | ==Thermoregulation== |
+ | Thermoregulation is the ability of an endothermic organism to maintain a relatively constant body temperature despite fluctuations in temperature of the external environment. This is a vital part of homeostasis. | ||
− | '''Homeotherm/Endotherm''': | + | *'''Homeotherm/Endotherm''': an organism with an internal temperature which remains relatively constant despite external temperature fluctuations. |
− | + | *'''Poikilotherm/Ectotherm''': an organism having a body temperature which fluctuates with the external environment - eg Fish, Reptile. | |
− | '''Poikilotherm/Ectotherm''': | ||
==Mechanism of Action== | ==Mechanism of Action== | ||
The thermoregulatory mechanism consists of: | The thermoregulatory mechanism consists of: | ||
− | + | *Sensory Component: neurones that possess nerve endings with thermoreceptors continuously monitor body temperature and transmit it to the integrating centre. | |
− | + | *Integrating Centre: | |
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Revision as of 14:04, 5 August 2008
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Thermoregulation
Thermoregulation is the ability of an endothermic organism to maintain a relatively constant body temperature despite fluctuations in temperature of the external environment. This is a vital part of homeostasis.
- Homeotherm/Endotherm: an organism with an internal temperature which remains relatively constant despite external temperature fluctuations.
- Poikilotherm/Ectotherm: an organism having a body temperature which fluctuates with the external environment - eg Fish, Reptile.
Mechanism of Action
The thermoregulatory mechanism consists of:
- Sensory Component: neurones that possess nerve endings with thermoreceptors continuously monitor body temperature and transmit it to the integrating centre.
- Integrating Centre: