GCSE Biology: Explore How the Body Controls Its Temperature

Biology Quiz - Unit 3 - Thermoregulation (Questions)

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

Thermoregulation is the control of body...

[ ]	fluids
[ ]	glucose
[ ]	temperature
[ ]	pH

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

[ ]	osmoregulatory centre
[ ]	thermoreceptor centre
[ ]	thermoregulatory centre
[ ]	cortex

What is the normal core body temperature for humans?

[ ]	36 degrees C
[ ]	37 degrees C
[ ]	38 degrees C
[ ]	39 degrees C

Receptors inside the thermoregulatory centre detect blood...

[ ]	pH
[ ]	oxygen
[ ]	temperature
[ ]	pressure

During sweating, body temperature...

[ ]	decreases
[ ]	increases
[ ]	remains the same
[ ]	decreases and then increases

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

[ ]	liver
[ ]	heart
[ ]	skin
[ ]	mouth

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

[ ]	nerve cells
[ ]	heart cells
[ ]	brain cells
[ ]	muscle cells

Which process cools the skin during sweating?

[ ]	Transpiration
[ ]	Respiration
[ ]	Condensation
[ ]	Evaporation

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

[ ]	Hairs
[ ]	Mucus
[ ]	Sweat glands
[ ]	Capillaries

10.

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

[ ]	Seizures
[ ]	Crying
[ ]	Yawning
[ ]	Shivering

Biology Quiz - Unit 3 - Thermoregulation (Answers)

Thermoregulation is the control of body...

[ ]	fluids
[ ]	glucose
[x]	temperature
[ ]	pH

Thermoregulation is an example of homeostasis

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

[ ]	osmoregulatory centre
[ ]	thermoreceptor centre
[x]	thermoregulatory centre
[ ]	cortex

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

What is the normal core body temperature for humans?

[ ]	36 degrees C
[x]	37 degrees C
[ ]	38 degrees C
[ ]	39 degrees C

It is the core body temperature that matters

Receptors inside the thermoregulatory centre detect blood...

[ ]	pH
[ ]	oxygen
[x]	temperature
[ ]	pressure

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

During sweating, body temperature...

[x]	decreases
[ ]	increases
[ ]	remains the same
[ ]	decreases and then increases

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

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

[ ]	liver
[ ]	heart
[x]	skin
[ ]	mouth

Skin temperature is constantly monitored

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

[x]	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

Which process cools the skin during sweating?

[ ]	Transpiration
[ ]	Respiration
[ ]	Condensation
[x]	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