Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate an understanding of the mechanisms by which heat may be gained or lost by the body 2. Distinguish between core and shell temperature and describe the effects f circadian variations, menstrual cycle and exercise on core temperature 3. Describe how the body uses a negative feedback homeostatic loop to maintain normal core temperature 4. Outline the particular probnlems associated with thermoregulation in neonates and the elderly 5. Define the term pyrexia and outline the causes and effects of pyrexia
1.

Introduction to Thermoregulation
Heat gain
Body Temp = 37oC

Heat Loss

APYREXIA (Normal) = 35.6 - 37.8 C (ave

= 36.2 C) PYREXIA (Above norm) = 38 C (41 C can cause fitting) Hypothermia < 35 C

The control centre for temp regulation is the HYPOTHALAMUS in the brain Warm blooded and we generate heat and lose heat constantly A very good example of HOMEOSTASIS

Thermoregulation
This is the regulation of body temperature Normal body temperature range: _____________ During the day the temp fluctuates by 1C (lowest in early am, highest in late pm) A constant body temperature is needed for body enzyme function We need to balance the heat gained and lost Heat is lost through the lungs, urine, faeces and the skin The loss through skin is the only route of heat loss we can be control
3

Core and Shell temperatures

Core temperature:

temp within the centre of the cavities Core temp is higher than shell temp Body controls this Rectal thermometer is the best for measurement of core temp
Shell temperature: temp at the surface e.g. skin

Skin 33-34oC

Forehead 34oC

Core 37oC

Hands & Feet 28oC Legs 31oC

Toes 27oC

Thermoregulation
Heat is a type of energy also

expressed in units of calories

1 calorie = the amount of heat energy need

to raise the temp of 1g of water by 1C (1000 calories = 1 kilo calorie(kcal)

Heat is measured as temperature

and expressed in degrees centigrade or C The temperature of the body is an index registering the amount of heat in the tissues

Heat Gain Via cell metabolism heat is produced as a by product eg.liver, brain, heart, muscles which use food to create energy in the form of heat Some hormones also important to increase metabolism and increase heat gain eg.thyroxine and adrenalin Heat gain from environment also important ie. radiation, convection and conduction Heat Loss (1) via skin (~ 90%) (perspiration) (2) expiration (~ 9%) (breathing) (3) micturition/defecation (~1%)

Gains

Losses

Radiation (60%) - from a warmer object to a

cooler one - without physical contact, e.g. sunlight

Evaporation (22%) - conversion of a liquid to a

gas results in heat loss. e.g.sweating and evaporation of perspiration

Conduction - (3%) - heat transfer by direct

contact from a warm surface to a cooler one. e.g.hot water, cold chair
Convection (15%) - heat transfer from hot to cold

through gas/liquid e.g.warm air rises away from body

Temperature Control
Hypothalamus is the temperature

control centre in the brain

It works by responding to messages

sent from thermoreceptor cells in skin and to the temp of blood circulating

Here there are 2 centres concerned

Heat Loss Centre Heat Promoting Centre

with maintaining body temperature

When temperature increases above normal the nerve cells in the heat loss centre stimulated to initiate;

Dilation of skin blood vessels or VASODILATION so that blood flows to surface of body and heat lost via radiation Increased activity of sweat glands and increased perspiration and heat loss via evaporation

When Body temperature decreases below normal range the heat promoting centre swings into action and initiates: Narrowing of blood vessels (VASOCONSTRICTION) so that blood does not flow to bodys surface and less heat lost Activation of skeletal muscles to generate heat via shivering Goosebumps (traps warm air), BMR, and thyroxine release enhance heat production

Summary of Mechanisms

Factors Influencing Temperature Control

Stage of development/Age
Babies immature nervous system and

large surface area for losses Elderly - degeneration gf nervous system, reduced BMR Environment - local climate, winD, humidity Exdrcise/sleep Food - availability, dieting Diurnal rhythm Temp lower between "am - 6am Temp higher between 5pm and 8pm Hormones - Female temperatube increased before ovulation - temperature is important in the rhythm method of birth control

QUIZ
Which part of the brain is responsible for

thermoregulation? Name the types of heat transfer which occur in man Is thermoregulation dependent on the nervous system? Would vasoconstriction increase or decrease the volume of blood in the capillaries of the skin? How does sweat cool us down? Which hormones can increase our metabolic rate and increase heat gain and body temperature?

Homework
State 3 of the functions of the skin Name the 2 regions of the skin. The upper layer is composed of which

type of cells? Does the epidermis contain blood vessels? What are the functions of the skin pigment melanin? Name the 2 layers of the dermis How come the epidermis remains attached to the dermis? Which dermal layer is more involved in temp. control and why? What is produced from a sebaceous gland? What is the function of the hair? What does the core temp. refer to ? What is pyrexia?