2.88 describe the role of the skin in temperature regulation, with reference to sweating vasoconstriction and vasodilation

Notes


To maintain homeostasis of temperature, the body employs the thermoregulation system. The skin has many aspects which are adapted to assist in thermoregulation to maintain a 37C core body temperature (optimum temperature for enzymes).
STIMULUS is actually the temperature of the blood, this is detected by the
RECEPTOR which is the hypothalamus

Too Cold
- Vasoconstriction is when capillaries narrow - this decreases amount of heat lost as less blood circulates near the skin surface
- Less sweat means less heat is transferred to surroundings
- Shivering means that muscles are activated, which produce heat as a byproduct and ATP
- Hair erector muscles contract, pulling the hair erect - this traps a layer of still air around the body, decreasing heat loss through convection


Too Hot
- Vasodilation is when capillaries widen - this means more heat can be transferred through blood to surroundings
- Sweating transfers heat to surroundings (also, as they evaporate, they lower the average kinetic energy of the surface and therefore the skin temperature decreases known as 'latent heat of evaporation')
- The hairs are not erected, heat can be lost by convection