2.88 - Skin

2.88 describe the role of the skin in temperature regulation, with reference to sweating vasoconstriction and vasodilation


Stimuli: Body temp
Receptor/coordinator: Hypothalamus
Effector: Skin
Response:

Vasoconstriction (when its cold):

• Blood vessels at you skin surface close up. they cut down the flow of blood to the surface so less heat is lost by radiation
• Sweat glands stop making sweat
• Shivering: Your muscles start to contract quickly, this produces extra heat that warms your body

Vasodilation (when its hot):

• Blood vessels at your skin surface widen. They allow more blood to flow to the surface so more heat is lost by radiation
• Sweat glands in your skin make sweat. the sweat evaporates and cools you down