Temperature Regulation
Start with the big picture
Thermoreceptors in peripheral tissues and central sites detect temperature changes, with afferent information conveyed to the hypothalamus for integration. When core temperature rises above the set-point, responses promote heat loss, including cutaneous vasodilation and sweating. When it falls below the set-point, vasoconstriction, shivering, and other heat-producing mechanisms help conserve or generate heat. The topic also connects these mechanisms to fever, heat-related illness, and hypothermia, and considers special adaptations such as newborn reliance on brown adipose tissue. Together, these concepts show how neural control, blood flow, sweat physiology, and metabolism contribute to temperature homeostasis and its clinical relevance.
What you'll learn
- Describe how hypothalamic thermosensitive neurons regulate the core temperature set-point.
- Explain how peripheral and central thermoreceptors contribute to temperature control.
- Compare the responses that promote heat loss with those that produce or conserve heat.
- Relate thermoregulatory mechanisms to fever, heat-related illness, and hypothermia.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
