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| ==Thermoregulation== | | ==Thermoregulation== |
− | Thermoregulation is the ability of an organism to maintain a relatively constant body temperature despite fluctuations in temperature of the external environment. | + | 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. |
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| + | *'''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. |
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| + | ==Mechanism of Action== |
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| + | 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: |