The role of the skin in thermoregulation
I can describe the roles of various parts of the skin in controlling human body temperature.
- Year 11
- AQA
The role of the skin in thermoregulation
I can describe the roles of various parts of the skin in controlling human body temperature.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Human body temperature needs to be kept within a small range, around 37°C, to maintain body functions and health.
- Changes in the external environment can cause the internal body temperature to change.
- When temperature decreases, responses (erection of hairs, vasoconstriction) help to return body temperature to normal.
- When temperature increases, responses (sweating, vasodilation) help to return body temperature to normal.
Keywords
Vasoconstriction - The narrowing of blood vessels, reducing blood flow through them.
Insulation - A material that transfers energy by conduction very slowly or not at all.
Radiation - The process of emitting energy, often in the form of infrared waves, from an object.
Vasodilation - The widening of blood vessels, increasing blood flow through them.
Common misconception
Understanding why the physiological responses to higher or lower body temperatures occur is often confused, because although the processes themselves are familiar, the reasons behind them are not.
Detail has been included to explain carefully and one at a time the reasons for a range of physiological responses to high or low body temperature, and these are illustrated with clear, familiar diagrams.
Equipment
None required.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1. is the maintenance of a constant, optimal internal environment in response to internal and external changes.
Q2.True or false? The skin is an organ.
Q3.Which important part of an enzyme can become misshapen when exposed to high temperatures?
Q4.What is radiation?
Q5.What is the optimum human body temperature?
Q6.How does the body react to a decrease in temperature?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the label to the part of the skin.
Q2.True or false? Enzymes denature in hot and cold temperatures.
Q3.Which are the responses to an increase in body temperature?
Q4.Match the response to the effect it has.
Q5.The Oak pupils are discussing what happens when the human body gets too hot. Who is correct?
Q6.Which part of the skin produces sweat?
