Knowledge Organiser
This topic summary covers Knowledge Organiser within Temperature Regulation for GCSE Biology. Topic 5: Temperature Regulation It is section 11 of 12 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 11 of 12
Practice
15 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
Knowledge Organiser
Too Hot Responses
- Vasodilation — vessels widen, more blood near surface, heat lost by radiation
- Sweating — evaporation of sweat removes heat energy from skin
- Hairs lie flat — reduced insulating air layer
Too Cold Responses
- Vasoconstriction — vessels narrow, less blood near surface, less heat lost
- Shivering — rapid muscle contractions increase respiration rate, releasing heat energy
- Hairs stand up — erector muscles contract, trapping an insulating air layer next to the skin
Must-Know Facts
- Coordination centre — hypothalamus (in the brain); detects core body temperature changes
- Optimum temperature — 37°C; the temperature at which human enzymes work at their maximum rate
- Cooling mechanism — it is the EVAPORATION of sweat that removes heat energy from the skin, not sweating alone
- Vasodilation — more blood flows near the skin surface; heat is lost by radiation; skin appears flushed/red
- Both responses are coordinated by negative feedback — once 37°C is restored, the responses switch off
Common Mistakes
- Saying "sweating cools the body": Sweating alone does not cool — it is the evaporation of sweat from the skin that removes heat energy. The word "evaporation" is almost always a required mark point.
- Saying blood vessels move: Blood vessels are fixed in position — they dilate (widen) or constrict (narrow). Never write "vessels move closer to the skin."
- Naming only "the brain" as coordination centre: The hypothalamus is the specific region that acts as coordination centre for thermoregulation — "the brain" is too vague and will not earn the mark.
- Forgetting to close the negative feedback loop: Always state that once temperature returns to 37°C, the stimulus is removed, the responses stop, and homeostasis is maintained — this shows understanding of the self-regulating mechanism.
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Practice Questions for Temperature Regulation
What is the normal core body temperature in humans?
Explain how sweating helps to reduce body temperature.
Quick Recall Flashcards
15 questions on Temperature Regulation — practise free
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