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 HOMEOSTASIS

Thermoregulation

The core temperature of the human body is 37°C

The core of the human body includes the organs of the trunk (thorax and abdomen) and the head. This is where the vital organs are located and their enzyme systems must operate in optimum conditions.

The periphery of the body can withstand some deviation from the core temperature.

Heat loss and heat gain

The body must balance its heat budget.

Heat is gained:

  • by conduction from warm air surrounding the body.
  • by the body’s metabolic activity which generates heat e.g. when muscle move.

Heat is lost

  • by conduction and radiation to cold air (or water),
  • by evaporation of sweat from the body surface (c.f. properties of water).

Humans can also affect their body temperature by changing their behaviour. e.g. wearing different clothes, seeking shade

Maintaining the body temperature

Keeping warm

Staying cool
Increased insulation, subcutaneous fat reduces the conduction of heat from the body Increase blood flow to skin, increases conduction and radiation of heat from the body.
Reduced sweating decreases evaporation. Increased sweat secretion, increases evaporation
Increased shivering, increases heat produced by muscle tissue 2 to 5 times. Reduced activity.
 

© Paul Billiet 2004