Control of body temperature (biology only) (4.5.2.4) | AQA GCSE Biology - Foundation (8461) | KnowledgeSet

Control of body temperature (biology only)

Biology (Separate Science) · GCSE · AQA · AQA GCSE Biology - Foundation (8461) · Specification point · 4.5.2.4 · Homeostasis and response · The human nervous system

Body temperature regulation in mammals

Thermoregulatory centre

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Learning Objectives

4.5.2.4 Control of body temperature (biology only)

Content	Key opportunities for skills development
$Body temperature is monitored and controlled by the thermoregulatory centre in the brain. The thermoregulatory centre contains receptors sensitive to the temperature of the blood. The skin contains temperature receptors and sends nervous impulses to the thermoregulatory centre. If the body temperature is too high, blood vessels dilate (vasodilation) and sweat is produced from the sweat glands. Both these mechanisms cause a transfer of energy from the skin to the environment. If the body temperature is too low, blood vessels constrict (vasoconstriction), sweating stops and skeletal muscles contract (shiver).$

Content

Key opportunities for skills development

Body temperature is monitored and controlled by the thermoregulatory centre in the brain. The thermoregulatory centre contains receptors sensitive to the temperature of the blood. The skin contains temperature receptors and sends nervous impulses to the thermoregulatory centre. If the body temperature is too high, blood vessels dilate (vasodilation) and sweat is produced from the sweat glands. Both these mechanisms cause a transfer of energy from the skin to the environment. If the body temperature is too low, blood vessels constrict (vasoconstriction), sweating stops and skeletal muscles contract (shiver).