Body Temperature Homeostasis
Human body temperature is held at 36.7oC to maintain optimum conditions for cell activities. We
are homeothermic – our body temperature is maintained regardless of external temperatures.
Temperatures that are too high causes nerve damage, changes in protein structure, denaturing of
enzymes and….. death. Therefore, heat gain must equal heat loss.
Heat Transfer Mechanisms
Heat transfer mechanisms are those means by which heat can be gained or lost.
1. Conduction -
2. Convection -
3. Radiation -
4. Evaporation –
Temperature is detected by peripheral thermoreceptors in the skin and mucous membranes and
core thermoreceptors in the hypothalamus which then stimulates effectors to carry out a series of
responses that alter the original stimulus.
Human body temperature is held at 36.7oC to maintain optimum conditions for cell activities. We
are homeothermic – our body temperature is maintained regardless of external temperatures.
Temperatures that are too high causes nerve damage, changes in protein structure, denaturing of
enzymes and….. death. Therefore, heat gain must equal heat loss.
Heat Transfer Mechanisms
Heat transfer mechanisms are those means by which heat can be gained or lost.
1. Conduction -
2. Convection -
3. Radiation -
4. Evaporation –
Temperature is detected by peripheral thermoreceptors in the skin and mucous membranes and
core thermoreceptors in the hypothalamus which then stimulates effectors to carry out a series of
responses that alter the original stimulus.
