Homeostasis: The Consequences Of Body Temperature

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Part I
Body temperature (both shell and core) is maintained through homeostasis and negative feedback loops, which revert the body back to optimum levels when external changes occur. Temperature receptors in the mouth, skin, spinal cord and brain detect stimuli in the environment and relay these signals to the hypothalamus, containing various nuclei-controlling hormones and aspects of thermoregulation. This compares the body’s ideal functioning temperature of 37°C to the temperature communicated by the receptors. If there is a difference it will cause effectors to respond to the stimulus in an effort to cool down or heat up the organism.

An example of the former is the vasodilation of the capillaries near the skin, which sends blood to the surface to radiate heat away from the body, cool the blood and lower core temperature. Other effectors stimulated include the sweat glands. Alternatively, if the body’s core temperature is too cold, the hypothalamus activates vasoconstriction, slowing blood flow and channelling it away from the surface of the skin to avoid further heat loss. Muscles are also stimulated and cause shivering in an effort to warm up.

Homeostasis effectively works to cool and heat the body automatically in response to temperature changes, allowing cells to function normally. If the process were voluntary an …show more content…

Homeostasis ensures that when blood sugar levels rise and fall, perhaps after a carbohydrate-rich meal or after a period of fasting, balance is restored so the body reaches equilibrium. This happens due to a negative feedback loop involving the liver, pancreas and the hormones insulin and glucagon. Monosaccharaides are essential for optimum body functioning. Their molecular size and solubility allows them to pass through a cell’s membrane to allow respiration. Once metabolised, glucose provides the cell with energy. Therefore, the homeostatic process is vital for effective

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