Thermoregulation
Biology: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 3.5.14
Thermoregulation (Control of Body Temperature)
Our body temperature needs to be kept as close to 37°C as possible. Receptors detect temperature changes and relay the information to the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS then allows effectors (muscles or glands) to respond:
Receptors on the skin
- Receptors on the surface of the skin monitor the temperature at the surface of the body.
Receptors in the brain
- Receptors in the thermoregulatory centre of our brain (called the hypothalamus) monitor the internal body temperature as blood flows through the brain.
Test yourself on Thermoregulation
What is the ideal human body temperature?
What does thermoregulation control?