Thermoregulation and pyrexia
Physiology is homeostasis
Biological systems operate under a tight range of parameters
Most enzymes will be affected by 10c changes
If we get too hot enzymes denature above 45c
Brains start to get into trouble and brain function deteriorates between 35-40c
Normal temperature
average core temperature – 37c
maintaining normal for skin is less important
diurnal variation
varies throughout the day
lowest before you wake up
Relates to sleep/wake cycle
Intersex variation
The temperature at time of ovulation increases by half a degree
Subtle difference between men and women
Temperature measurement
Mercury thermometer under the tongue for minutes
Forehead temperature monitor – skin temperature – quick and well tolerated – not
very accurate
Tympanic thermometer – in ear – quite accurate if used properly
Oesophageal temperature probe – goes through the nose to the oesophagus – core
temperature – continuous – not good for awake people
Rectal temperature – in intensive care – hypothermic patients who are drowsy or
unconscious
Homeostasis – thermoregulation
Receptors – monitor temperature
Coordinator
Effectors – make you warmer/cooler
A cycle
Receptors
Have many throughout body
On skin
In the core around the GI tract, hypothalamus, and great veins
Special nerves which react to changes in temperature
Hot or cold receptors
Much more sensitive to cold
Adelta and C fibres – pain and temperature
Coordinator
Based around the hypothalamus (anterior)
Set point
Sets what you want the temperature to be
As the body temperature veers away things come into play
If you get cold you won’t sweat but you will produce more head
If you get hot you will sweat and will not produce as much heat
Effectors
Specific heat increase/decrease mechanisms
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