Thermoregulation and the hypothalamus

Overview

Recall questions on how core temperature is detected, and on vasodilation, vasoconstriction, sweating, shivering and the erector pili muscles.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   Which part of the brain acts as the thermoregulatory centre?

   Model answer

   The hypothalamus is the thermoregulatory centre that monitors blood temperature and coordinates responses to maintain core body temperature.

2. 2

   How does the hypothalamus detect core body temperature?

   Model answer

   The hypothalamus contains thermoreceptors that detect the temperature of blood flowing through it, providing information about core body temperature.

3. 3

   State two sources of temperature information that the hypothalamus receives.

   Model answer

   The hypothalamus receives information from its own thermoreceptors detecting blood temperature (core temperature) and from peripheral thermoreceptors in the skin detecting external temperature.

4. 4

   Where are peripheral thermoreceptors located and what is their function?

   Model answer

   Peripheral thermoreceptors are located in the skin; they detect external temperature changes and send nerve impulses to the hypothalamus.

5. 5

   What happens when the hypothalamus detects that core body temperature has risen above the set point?

   Model answer

   The hypothalamus initiates cooling responses via the autonomic nervous system.

6. 6

   Explain how vasodilation helps reduce body temperature.

   Model answer

   Vasodilation of arterioles supplying skin capillaries increases blood flow to the skin surface, allowing more heat to be lost by radiation and convection.

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