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Thermoregulation in Skin - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 14:42, 12 August 2008
, 14:42, 12 August 2008→Physiology
If this insulating layer of air is replaced by water, heat is readily lost from the skin's surface, leading to a decrease in core body temperature and ultimately '''hypothermia'''. The layer is protected by secretions from the skin onto the fur or feathers. In birds, secretions from the [[The Integument of Exotic Species#Avian Skin|uropygial gland]] maintain the water repellant properties of the plumage. In mammals that are regularly exposed to water, a thick layer of subcutaneous adipose tissue of '''blubber''' is present as the insulating air is completely lost and replaced by water.
If this insulating layer of air is replaced by water, heat is readily lost from the skin's surface, leading to a decrease in core body temperature and ultimately '''hypothermia'''. The layer is protected by secretions from the skin onto the fur or feathers. In birds, secretions from the [[The Integument of Exotic Species#Avian Skin|uropygial gland]] maintain the water repellant properties of the plumage. In mammals that are regularly exposed to water, a thick layer of subcutaneous adipose tissue of '''blubber''' is present as the insulating air is completely lost and replaced by water.
===Shivering===
In cold conditions, muscles can also receive messages from the thermo-regulatory centre of the brain (the hypothalamus) to cause shivering. This increases heat production as respiration is an exothermic reaction in muscle cells. Shivering is more effective than exercise at producing heat because the animal remains still. This means that less heat is lost to the environment via convection. There are two types of shivering: low intensity and high intensity. During low intensity shivering animals shiver constantly at a low level for months during cold conditions. During high intensity shivering animals shiver violently for a relatively short time. Both processes consume energy although high intensity shivering uses glucose as a fuel source and low intensity tends to use fats. This is why animals store up food in the winter.
===Sweating===
===Sweating===