Mechanisms Responding To Heat And Cold
Responses to Heat
1. Vasodilation
- What Happens? Arterioles widen, increasing blood flow to the skin.
- Why? More blood at the skin's surface allows heat to be lost to the environment.
- Don't confuse vasodilation with blood vessels moving closer to the skin's surface.
- The vessels remain in place, only their diameter changes.
During exercise, your skin may appear flushed as blood vessels dilate to release excess heat.
2. Sweating
- What Happens? Sweat glands release sweat, which evaporates from the skin.
- Why? Evaporation absorbs heat, cooling the body.
Sweating is highly effective because water has a high latent heat of vaporization, meaning it absorbs a lot of heat as it evaporates.
3. Behavioral Adjustments
- Humans also use behavioral strategies to regulate temperature, such as:
- Seeking shade or shelter in hot conditions.
- Wearing layers of clothing in cold weather.
- Drinking cold or warm beverages to adjust internal temperature.
- In what ways do cultural and technological adaptations (e.g., clothing, heating, and cooling systems) complement biological thermoregulation?
- How might this interplay reflect the broader relationship between biology and technology?
