Thermoregulation Body Temperature

Thermoregulation is the process by which the body attempts to maintain a regular internal temperature so that the body processes can take place efficiently. The process ensures an equilibrium system is attained for all the body processes. The body temperature of an average individual is 37˚ C. this temperature fluctuates depending on activities one does. A human being is in constant movement unless they are asleep. As such, the temperature may increase or decrease thereby varying from this average. Some of the factors that may lead to increase in the body temperature include digestion, exercise, and fever. Some factors that may lead to a decrease in temperature include drug and substance abuse and metabolic activities especially those that are influenced by the thyroid gland.
The hypothalamus plays an important role in osmoregulation. This is the part of the brain that is in charge of maintaining body temperature. It is designed to sense changes in the body temperature, either increase or decrease and respond accordingly. Whenever a temperature change is detected, the nerves relay this signal to the
This mechanism depends on whether the temperature detected is lower or higher than usual. Whenever there is an increase in temperature, the nerves relay this signal to the hypothalamus of the brain. The hypothalamus then sends signals that will initiate mechanisms that will cool the body. Such mechanisms include sweating and vasodilation. Sweating is the process by which the pores on the skin lose waste substances in the form of sweat. The hypothalamus makes the sweat glands to start producing sweat. As they do so, sweat is lost from the skin. First, the sweat accumulates on the skin surface. Thereafter, the sweat evaporates using the heat provided by the body. In doing so, it leaves behind a cooling effect on the skin, resulting in an overall decrease in temperature of the