3.5.15

Sweating and 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 (in the middle layer of skin, called the dermis) release sweat, which covers the outer layer of skin (the epidermis).
  • Heat energy from the body is transferred to the water in this sweat 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 needs energy, which is generated through respiration.
  • Respiration produces heat, which warms us up.

Jump to other topics

1The Nature & Variety of Living Organisms

2Structure & Functions in Living Organisms

3Organism Functions

3.1Respiration

3.2Gas Exchange

3.3Transport

3.4Excretion

3.5Coordination & Response

4Reproduction & Inheritance

5Ecology

6Biological Resources

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