Chapter 23, Problem 18CYR

Summary Introduction

To review:

Whether the following statements are true or false:

a. Conduction is energy transfer between the body and the environment via electromagnetic waves.

b. Thermoreceptors send temperature information to centers in the hypothalamus.

c. Heat-loss mechanisms include sweating and vasodilation of the blood vessels in the skin.

d. The body temperature measured on the skin or in the mouth is generally higher than the core body temperature.

Introduction:

Thermoregulation is the regulation of body temperature in order to maintain effective functioning of all the systems or organs, by means of the negative feedback loop. Metabolic reactions are the main source of heat production in the body and this is regulated by heat loss to maintain normal body temperature. There are four mechanisms through which heat is exchanged with the environment, namely radiation, convection, conduction, and evaporation.