Name: how the body regulates temperature
Uploaded: 2024-06-20T13:02:51.000Z
Duration: 1 min 25 s
Channel: JoVE

Body temperature is the difference between the amount of heat produced by the body and the amount lost to the external environment.
The average body temperature of an adult ranges between 97 &#176;F to 99 &#176;F.
The hypothalamus is the brain structure responsible for thermoregulation&#8212;the balance between heat lost and heat produced.
The anterior hypothalamus controls heat loss primarily through the skin.
As the temperature rises, the anterior hypothalamus stimulates the sympathetic nervous system to open the atrioventricular shunt&#8212;a tiny connection between the arterioles and venules causing vasodilation, to allow heat to escape the skin.
Heat loss mechanisms occur through evaporation, radiation, convection, and conduction.
Similarly, the posterior hypothalamus regulates heat production, mainly through metabolism.
As temperature decreases, the posterior hypothalamus signals the sympathetic nervous system to close the atrioventricular shunt, causing vasoconstriction to prevent heat loss.
The mechanisms that allow heat production include thyroid hormones, piloerection, shivering, and exercise.

body temperature

Body Temperature

The body&#39;s temperature, measured in degrees, is determined by the balance between heat production and dissipation to the surrounding environment. For instance, if exercising vigorously, the body will produce more heat, causing sweat and dissipating that heat. Despite extreme environmental conditions and physical exertion, the human temperature-control system maintains a constant core body temperature (the temperature of deep tissues, which are the tissues located beneath the skin and other superficial tissues). In contrast, the surface temperature varies depending on blood circulation to the skin and the extent of heat dissipation.
Heat is produced by metabolic activities in the body&#39;s core tissues, transmitted to the skin&#39;s surface by circulating blood, and then released into the environment. Core body temperature typically ranges from 36.0&#176;C (97.0&#176;F) to 37.5&#176;C (99.5&#176;F), which tends to be higher than the surface body temperature. Core temperatures are commonly measured at the tympanic (ear) or rectal locations using non-invasive methods like infrared thermometers, or invasive monitoring devices like thermocouples. These devices can also measure temperatures in the esophagus, pulmonary artery, or bladder. Surface body temperatures are measured at the oral (sublingual), axillary (underarm), and skin surface regions using methods like oral or axillary thermometers or thermal imaging cameras.
Thermoregulation, the delicate balance between heat loss and heat production, is a complex process maintained by physiological and behavioral mechanisms. The hypothalamus, a small but mighty organ located between the cerebral hemispheres, plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature by detecting even minor temperature variations. The anterior hypothalamus, for instance, controls heat loss through sweating, vasodilation (expansion of blood vessels), and inhibition of heat production to facilitate heat dissipation. When internal temperatures rise, it redirects blood flow to surface veins to optimize heat release, showcasing the intricate mechanisms at play.
Conversely, when the posterior hypothalamus detects body temperature below the setpoint, it activates heat conservation mechanisms. For example, the body will try to conserve heat outside in cold weather. Vasoconstriction narrows blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the skin and extremities, thereby minimizing heat loss. If further heat conservation is needed, voluntary muscular contractions and shivering are triggered to generate heat.
Heat Production and Loss:
Heat production is a fascinating byproduct of metabolism, the chemical reactions which occur in all body cells. Several factors can influence these reactions, like activities that increase them, raising metabolic rates, and heat production. Conversely, a slower metabolism produces less heat. Heat is generated during rest, voluntary movements, involuntary shivering, and non-shivering thermogenesis through contraction of the pilomotor muscles, leading to piloerection, or &#34;goosebumps,&#34; to minimize heat loss. This diversity of heat production methods showcases the complexity of the human body.
The skin is the primary site of heat loss, where heat from circulating blood transfers to the skin&#39;s surface. Here, arteriovenous shunts&#8212;connections between arterioles and venules directly under the skin&#8212;can open to allow heat to escape or close to retain heat. Continuous heat loss through the skin occurs via radiation, conduction, convection, and evaporation, influenced by the skin&#39;s structure and the surrounding environment.

The body&#39;s temperature, measured in degrees, is determined by the balance between heat production and dissipation to the surrounding environment. For ...

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JoVE Core

Nursing

Unit 1

Vital Signs: Temperature

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

how the body regulates temperature

The body regulates temperature by balancing heat production and heat loss. This balance helps keep core body temperature steady even during exercise or changes in the environment. Core temperature refers to the temperature of deep tissues under the skin, while surface temperature can change more easily.

Heat is produced mainly by metabolic activity in the body’s core tissues. Blood carries this heat from the core to the skin, where it can be released into the environment. Core body temperature usually ranges from 36.0°C (97.0°F) to 37.5°C (99.5°F), and it is usually higher than surface temperature.

Core temperature is often measured at the tympanic, or ear, site, or at the rectum. Non-invasive tools such as infrared thermometers can be used, and invasive monitors such as thermocouples can also measure temperature in places like the esophagus, pulmonary artery, or bladder. Surface temperature can be measured at the oral, axillary, or skin regions with oral or axillary thermometers or thermal imaging cameras.

Thermoregulation is the process that keeps body temperature within a narrow range. The hypothalamus, a small region between the cerebral hemispheres, plays a major role by sensing even small temperature changes. The anterior hypothalamus promotes heat loss through sweating, vasodilation, and reduced heat production. When body temperature drops below the setpoint, the posterior hypothalamus helps conserve heat.

In cold conditions, the body limits heat loss by using vasoconstriction, which narrows blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the skin and extremities. If more heat is needed, the body can use voluntary muscle activity and shivering to generate heat. Heat can also be produced during rest and through non-shivering thermogenesis, which involves contraction of the pilomotor muscles and causes piloerection, or goosebumps.

The skin is the main site of heat loss. Arteriovenous shunts, which are connections between arterioles and venules under the skin, can open to let heat escape or close to help retain it. Heat leaves the skin continuously by radiation, conduction, convection, and evaporation, and the amount lost depends on the skin’s structure and the surrounding environment.

How the Body Regulates Temperature

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guidelines for measuring vital signs

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The body regulates temperature by balancing heat production and heat loss. This balance helps keep core body temperature steady even during exercise or changes in the environment. Core temperature refers to the temperature of deep tissues under the skin, while surface temperature can change more easily. Heat is produced mainly by metabolic activity in the body’s core tissues. Blood carries this heat from the core to the skin, where it can be released into the environment. Core body temperature...

mechanism of heat transfer

How the Body Loses and Gains Heat

The body loses and gains heat through conduction, convection, evaporation, and radiation. These heat transfer mechanisms help the body stay in balance, or maintain homeostasis, when the environment is not thermoneutral. In a thermoneutral environment, the body is already in balance and does not need to use or release energy to keep its core temperature steady. Conduction is heat transfer through direct contact. It happens when skin touches an object with a different temperature. For example,...

factors affecting body temperature

Body Temperature Changes and Why They Happen

Body temperature changes for many reasons, and age is one of the most important. Newborns have an immature system that must respond quickly to environmental change, so their temperature can shift more easily. Older adults can also have trouble regulating temperature because of age-related changes and other factors. Exercise can raise body temperature because active muscles need more blood flow. The body also breaks down glucose and fat for energy, and that process produces heat. Hormone levels...

increased body temperature

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Fever is a rise in body temperature above 38°C (100.4°F). A person with fever is called febrile. The hypothalamus, a part of the brain that works like the body’s thermostat, controls temperature by using a thermoregulatory setpoint. It reads signals from cold and warm receptors throughout the body and adjusts temperature as needed. Fever usually starts when the hypothalamic setpoint changes in response to infection or illness. A virus such as influenza, a bacterium such as streptococcus, or...

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Fever can happen for many reasons, and not all fevers come from infection. It may be linked to nervous system disorders, certain cancers, blood diseases such as leukemia, embolism, thrombosis, heatstroke, dehydration, surgical trauma, crushing injuries, or allergic reactions. Rigor is one fever pattern marked by a sudden, severe shivering attack. During rigor, body temperature rises quickly to hyperpyrexia levels, which means an extremely high fever. Hyperthermia is different from a typical...

patterns of fever

Fever Phases and Temperature Patterns

Fever has clear phases and several temperature patterns. The first phase is the onset or invasion phase, when body temperature begins to rise. This rise may happen suddenly or gradually. The second phase is the steady phase. During this stage, body temperature reaches its highest point and stays constant at a high level. The third phase is the defervescence or decline phase. In this stage, the elevated temperature returns to normal, either suddenly or gradually. Fever may appear as...

methods of reducing fever

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Fever care focuses on lowering body temperature and finding the cause of the fever. Common signs and symptoms include hot, dry skin, a flushed face, thirst, muscle aches, anorexia, headache, tachycardia, tachypnea, and fatigue. Proper treatment starts with identifying the root problem. Pharmacological methods use medicine to reduce fever. If a bacterial infection is the cause, healthcare providers collect culture specimens such as urine, blood, sputum, and wound samples, then prescribe the...

decreased body temperature

Hypothermia and Frostbite Signs

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equipments used to measure body temperature

equipments-used-to-measure-body-temperature

Body Temperature Tools and Thermometer Types

Body temperature can be checked with several tools, and the result may be shown in Celsius or Fahrenheit. Different thermometers are used for different body sites and settings. Some give a reading in seconds, while others are older or single-use designs. Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip that holds a liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Mercury glass-bulb thermometers were once the standard for measuring body temperature. Today, many countries prohibit mercury...

temperature measurement sites

Body Temperature: Common Measurement Methods

Body temperature can be measured at several common sites, and each site has its own uses and limits. A thermometer is used to check temperature in the oral cavity, axillary region, temporal artery, and skin surface such as the forehead, abdomen, and axilla. Some sites give a closer estimate of true core temperature, which is the temperature inside the body. Core body temperature can be assessed in the rectum, tympanic membrane, pulmonary artery, esophagus, and urinary bladder. The oral site is...

assessing body temperature - tympanic membrane

assessing-body-temperature-tympanic-membrane

Using a Tympanic Thermometer Correctly

A tympanic membrane thermometer measures temperature through the ear. Correct use of the device helps support an accurate reading and reduces the chance of cross-contamination. Start with good hand hygiene before handling the thermometer. Turn it on and wait for the ready sign on the screen. Then place the probe cover in position before use. Ask the patient to tilt the head to the side for comfort. Check the ear canal for cerumen, or earwax, because it can block the probe lens cover. If...

assessing body temperature - oral

Oral Temperature Check with an Electronic Thermometer

Oral temperature checks use an electronic thermometer to measure body temperature through the mouth. Proper hand hygiene comes first to help prevent the spread of microorganisms. The thermometer is then removed from the charging unit, turned on, and used only after the ready sign appears. A probe cover is slid on until a click is heard. This helps prevent cross-contamination and keeps the cover in the correct place. The patient is asked to open the mouth, and the probe is placed under the...

assessing body temperature - rectal

Rectal Temperature Checks for Core Readings

Rectal temperature checks are a precise way to measure core body temperature. This method often gives a higher reading than oral temperature. It is used when an accurate internal temperature is needed. The procedure starts with hand hygiene and clean gloves to reduce cross-infection. The patient is placed in a side-lying position so the rectal area can be seen more easily. Only the anal region is exposed, and warmth and privacy are maintained. If feces or secretions are present, the area is...

assessing body temperature - axilla

Axillary Temperature Check with Digital Thermometer

Axillary body temperature is checked with a digital thermometer using a careful, step-by-step method. The goal is to get an accurate reading from the axilla, or underarm area, while keeping the patient comfortable and protected. Hand hygiene comes first, followed by clean gloves to help prevent infection and cross-contamination. The patient is then told what will happen so they can cooperate with the procedure. Privacy is maintained, only the axilla is exposed, and the patient is asked to stay...

assessing body temperature - temporal artery

assessing-body-temperature-temporal-artery

Temporal Artery Temperature Scan Steps

Temporal artery temperature scanning is a quick way to check a patient’s body temperature with a temporal artery thermometer. The process begins with hand hygiene and a fresh pair of gloves to help prevent cross-infection and keep the patient safe. The procedure should also be explained clearly so the patient knows what to expect and can cooperate with comfort. Before scanning, the forehead should be checked for moisture. If the skin is wet, it should be gently wiped with a clean cloth because...

key terms and concepts

Explore how the body keeps core temperature stable through sweating, vasoconstriction, shivering, and heat loss from the skin in grades 9–12 biology.

How the Body Regulates Temperature | JoVE K12

JoVE Core Nursing offers concise animated lessons on nursing practices, covering health systems, nursing organizations, and health concepts. It includes practical communication, infection prevention, and nursing fundamentals, providing students with a clear understanding of nursing principles.

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How the Body Regulates Temperature

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