Temperature control: Practice Questions

A person is moved from a room at \(20^\circ\text{C}\) to a room at \(40^\circ\text{C}\). How does the thermoregulatory centre and the integumentary system coordinate to maintain a constant core temperature?

When the core body temperature falls below the set point, the body initiates shivering. Which statement correctly identifies the physiological purpose of this response?

Explain why vasodilation of the blood vessels supplying the skin capillaries results in a decrease in core body temperature.

Compare the response of skin capillaries and the flow of blood through them when the body is exposed to extreme cold versus extreme heat.

State the role of respiration during the process of shivering and how this helps the body maintain its temperature in cold conditions.

Human body temperature is strictly regulated by the thermoregulatory centre to ensure enzymes and metabolic processes function efficiently.

(a) Describe the role of the thermoregulatory centre in monitoring body temperature and identify the two sources of information it receives regarding temperature changes.
(b) Explain the physiological response that occurs in the skin capillaries and sweat glands when the body's core temperature increases significantly above \(37^\circ\text{C}\).
(c) When the environment is extremely cold, the body may respond by 'shivering'. Explain the biological process behind shivering and how it helps to restore the core body temperature.