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Sweating and Shivering

Biology: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 3.5.15

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:

Sweating

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.
Shivering

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.

Test yourself on Sweating and Shivering

  • Which of the following are involved in sweating?

  • Which of the following are involved in shivering?

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