This definitions covers Key Definitions within Temperature Regulation for GCSE Biology. Topic 5: Temperature Regulation It is section 6 of 12 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
Topic position
Section 6 of 12
Practice
15 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
Key Definitions
Thermoregulation: The maintenance of body temperature within an optimal range through negative feedback mechanisms coordinated by the hypothalamus.
Hypothalamus: A region of the brain that acts as the coordination centre for thermoregulation; detects changes in blood temperature and sends signals to effectors in the skin.
Vasodilation: The widening of blood vessels supplying capillaries in the skin, allowing increased blood flow near the surface and greater heat loss by radiation.
Vasoconstriction: The narrowing of blood vessels supplying capillaries in the skin, reducing blood flow near the surface and decreasing heat loss.
Sweat glands: Glands in the skin that produce sweat; evaporation of sweat from the skin surface removes heat energy, cooling the body.
Shivering: Rapid involuntary contractions of skeletal muscles that generate heat through increased respiration, raising body temperature when too cold.
Hypothermia: A dangerous condition where core body temperature falls significantly below 37°C, impairing enzyme activity and threatening survival.
Hyperthermia: A dangerous condition where core body temperature rises significantly above 37°C, risking enzyme denaturation and organ damage.