Difference between revisions of "Thermoregulation - Anatomy & Physiology"
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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. | + | *'''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: | + | *'''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 | ||
Revision as of 14:08, 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