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
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller lauryndavison. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £7.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.