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. These neurons may be within the skin or internal organs. | |
− | + | ##'''Integrating Centre:''' the [[Endocrine System - Hypothalamus - Anatomy & Physiology|Hypothalamus]] is the control centre in the brain which compares the temperature information with an ''Internal Reference'' or ''Set point''. | |
− | + | ##'''Motor Component''': neurons which send signals to alter the internal temperature - altering heat production or heat loss. | |
− | + | *These command signals may travel via the somatic motor system and affect heat production in skeletal muscle. | |
− | + | *These command signals may travel via the Sympathetic Nerve Fibres and change | |
− | + | **Blood Flow to the Skin | |
− | + | **Sweat Gland Activity | |
− | + | **Activity of the smooth muscles which regulate fur/plumage thickness | |
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Revision as of 14:09, 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. These neurons may be within the skin or internal organs.
- Integrating Centre: the Hypothalamus is the control centre in the brain which compares the temperature information with an Internal Reference or Set point.
- Motor Component: neurons which send signals to alter the internal temperature - altering heat production or heat loss.
- These command signals may travel via the somatic motor system and affect heat production in skeletal muscle.
- These command signals may travel via the Sympathetic Nerve Fibres and change
- Blood Flow to the Skin
- Sweat Gland Activity
- Activity of the smooth muscles which regulate fur/plumage thickness