THERMOREGULATION

Core body temp. must be kept at a constant temp.of 37.5°C.

Too low:Reactions become too slow for cells to survive;too high:Body's enzymes are at risk of denaturing.                                                                      

Skin temp. e.g. fingers, toes and other extremities are usually lower than the core body temp.(approx. 1 degrees to 9 degrees). This reduces the energy lost.

Thermometers(plastic, infrared, clinical) and digital probes are used to measure body temperature.This can be measured in several places, including the ear, finger, mouth and an*s.

Body temp. is monitered & controlled by the receptors in the brain and skin.They send out electrical signals to trigger actions to decrease/increase heat loss.

Extremes of body temperature are dangerous:

• high temperatures can cause dehydration, heat stroke and death if untreated(Hyperthermia)
• low temperatures can cause hypothermia and death if untreated. (Hypothermia)