Thermoregulation

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Thermoregulation

• Definition: maintenance of core body temperature 1 degree more/less of 37 degrees, the body generates/conserves/dissipates heat
• Body temperature is controlled though the hypothalamus, adequate body fluid levels are needed for it to work properly

Temperature Regulation

• Heat balance when: heat production = heat loss
• Heat gained/generated: metabolism and muscle action (voluntary: physical exercise + involuntary: shivering)
• Heat lost:
  • Convection: flow of air across the skin, eg wind chill factor
  • Conduction: involves skin contact eg ice packs, warm water
  • Radiation: to the surrounding atmosphere
  • Evaporation: of sweat

Environmental Conditions

• Air temperature and humidity are important, > dry + breezy = easy evaporation
• Caution if 25-30 degrees or 90%+ humidity
• Thermoregulatory imbalance cause by dehydration can cause heat exhaustion + heat stroke
• Children are especially susceptible to heat illness
• Hypothermia: heat loss > heat gain = subnormal body temperature
• Hyperthermia: excessively high body temperature, usually in hot, humid conditions (hard to evaporate)
• Heat conservation mechanisms: vasoconstriction (decrease in blood vessel size = less blood to that area) + shivering
• Wind + cold: combined effect of convection and radiation (?)
• Heat loss in cold water is rapid because combined radiation + convection
• Subcutaneous fat assist in heat conservation (eg marathon swimmers)

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