PhysiologyLesson 6 of 7 in the course Metabolism and Nutrition

Thermoregulation, Heat Exchange, and Basal Metabolic Rate

5 flashcards · 4 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

Save course
Lesson progress
0 / 5

Your progress is kept in this browser only.Sign up to save it

Summary

The body maintains a relatively stable internal temperature even when environmental conditions change. This lesson explains how thermoregulation works and how the body exchanges heat with its surroundings.

Thermoregulation is the process that keeps body temperature within a functional range. Core temperature normally remains around 36.5–37.5 °C (97.7–99.5 °F). During cellular ATP production, approximately 60 percent of the energy produced appears as heat, which helps maintain body temperature.

All flashcards

What is thermoregulation?
The process of maintaining core temperature within a suitable range despite environmental changes.
What does the hypothalamus do in thermoregulation?
It coordinates responses such as sweating, increased skin blood flow, and shivering.
What is negative feedback in temperature regulation?
A response that opposes a change away from the body's regulated temperature.
What is basal metabolic rate (BMR)?
Daily energy expenditure at rest in a thermoneutral environment and postabsorptive state.
How does humidity affect evaporative cooling?
Sweat evaporates more readily in low humidity, making evaporative cooling more effective.

Quiz questions

  1. Which conditions characterize basal metabolic rate (BMR)?Answer: Rest, a thermoneutral environment, and the postabsorptive state.
  2. In the approximate daily energy budget described, which demand accounts for about 70%?Answer: Basic organ functions.
  3. Which body-composition factor is associated with a higher BMR?Answer: A greater amount of lean body mass.
  4. How does greater physical activity generally affect metabolic rate?Answer: It tends to increase energy expenditure.

Based on Anatomy and Physiology 2e by J. Gordon Betts, Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Eddie Johnson, Brandon Poe, Dean H. Kruse, Oksana Korol, Jody E. Johnson, Mark Womble, Peter DeSaix (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

More in Physiology

All Physiology lessons
PhysiologyHormonal Regulation of Renal Fluid, Vascular, and Mineral Balance5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PhysiologyExercise Hyperpnea and High-Altitude Oxygen Adaptation5 flashcards · 4 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PhysiologyCardiac Cycle and Heart Sounds: Valve Timing, ECG, and Auscultation5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PhysiologyEndocrine Hormone Signaling and Major Gland Functions5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PhysiologyEmbryonic Origins and Age-Related Changes in Endocrine Function5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →PhysiologyFemale Reproductive System: Anatomy, Cycles, and Lifespan Changes5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →