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When we are too cold, hairs trap a layer of air for insulation.

Unit 3 - Thermoregulation

GCSE Biology explains how the body keeps its temperature stable, using sweating, shivering and blood flow changes so cells can work properly on hot days and cold nights.

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Fascinating Fact:

When the body is too hot, vasodilation occurs in skin arterioles. More blood flows through surface capillaries, increasing heat loss by radiation and conduction.

In GCSE Biology, thermoregulation describes how the body keeps its core temperature close to 37 °C. You learn how receptors, the brain and effectors such as sweat glands and muscles work together in a negative feedback loop to prevent dangerous overheating or cooling.

Key Terms

Thermoregulation: The control of body temperature so that internal conditions stay close to an optimum value despite changes in the external environment.
Vasodilation: Widening of blood vessels near the skin so more blood flows close to the surface and extra heat is transferred to the surroundings.
Vasoconstriction: Narrowing of blood vessels near the skin which reduces blood flow at the surface and helps conserve body heat in cold conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (click to see answers)

What is thermoregulation in GCSE Biology?

Thermoregulation is the process that keeps body temperature within a narrow range. It involves receptors, the brain and effectors working together so chemical reactions in cells can continue efficiently.

How does the body respond when it is too hot?

When the body is too hot, more sweat is produced and blood flow to the skin increases. These responses help transfer heat to the environment and lower body temperature.

How does the body respond when it is too cold?

When the body is too cold, blood flow to the skin is reduced and muscles may shiver. These changes limit heat loss and generate more heat to warm the body.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

Information about skin temperature is sent to the brain by...

nerve cells

heart cells

brain cells

muscle cells

Nerves are the fast messaging system of the body, so the thrmoregulatory centre can respond quickly if needed

2 .

Temperature receptors are found in the brain and also in the...

liver

heart

skin

mouth

Skin temperature is constantly monitored

3 .

During sweating, body temperature...

decreases

increases

remains the same

decreases and then increases

Sweating cools us down, therefore body temperature is decreased back to normal

4 .

This happens when it is cold in order to generate heat from respiration.

Seizures

Crying

Yawning

Shivering

Muscles are made to vibrate and this extra work that they do releases more heat and warms up the blood passing through the muscles

5 .

Thermoregulation is the control of body...

fluids

glucose

temperature

Thermoregulation is an example of homeostasis

6 .

The part of the brain which is involved with temperature control is called the...

osmoregulatory centre

thermoreceptor centre

thermoregulatory centre

cortex

'Thermo' indicates something to do with temperature and 'regulatory' indicates the centre is something to do with control

7 .

When we are too cold, these trap a layer of air for insulation.

Hairs

Mucus

Sweat glands

Capillaries

The idea is that they trap a layer of air against the skin for insulation. Humans have a lot less skin hair than most mammals and so this is not particularly effective

8 .

Receptors inside the thermoregulatory centre detect blood...

oxygen

temperature

pressure

The blood flowing through the thermoregulatory centre has been heated by passing through the body

9 .

Which process cools the skin during sweating?

Transpiration

Respiration

Condensation

Evaporation

Sweat contains a lot of water and this evaporates, turning from a liquid into a gas. This takes heat energy away from the body and cools us down

10 .

What is the normal core body temperature for humans?

36 degrees C

37 degrees C

38 degrees C

39 degrees C

It is the core body temperature that matters

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Homeostasis in humans

Author: Donna Davidson (GCSE Biology Teacher & Examiner, Quiz Writer)

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