5.2.14

Thermoregulation - Sweating & Shivering

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Sweating and Shivering

When our body temperature becomes too high, we sweat. When our body temperature becomes too low, we shiver. Here's how sweating and shivering work:

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Sweating

  • Sweat glands release water, which covers the skin.
  • Heat energy from the body is transferred to this water and, when it has enough energy, it evaporates.
  • As it evaporates, it takes the heat energy with it. This lowers the average temperature of the body.
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Shivering

  • When we are too cold, muscles start to contract automatically. This makes us shiver.
  • This process requires energy, which is generated through respiration.
  • Respiration produces heat, which warms us up.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

1.1What's in Cells?

1.2Cell Division

1.3Transport in Cells

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

5.1Homeostasis

5.2The Human Nervous System

5.3Hormonal Coordination in Humans

5.4Plant Hormones

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

7Ecology

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