Difference between revisions of "Thermoregulation - Anatomy & Physiology"
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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: | ||
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: