How do blood vessels help to control body temperature.

Body temperature must be maintained around 37°C as the enzymes in our body work best at this temperature. The thermoregulatory centre in the brain contains receptors that detect the temperature of blood, as well as receives information from temperature receptors in the skin. This thermoregulatory centre then sends impulses to the blood vessels (capillaries) in the skin, causing them to become narrower (vasoconstriction) or wider (vasodilation).Blood in the skin can lose heat to the environment through radiation. When the body temperature is too low, the capillaries constrict so that less blood flows through the skin and, therefore, less heat is lost. When the body temperature is too high, the capillaries dilate so that more blood flows through the skin and, therefore, more heat is lost.

TS
Answered by Thivija S. Biology tutor

8270 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

By what process do plants move ions from the soil exterior to the plant, into the root cells of the plant?


Compare the similarities and differences between animal and plant cells? (6 marks)


What is mitosis?


Explain how an individual develops immunity following infection by a bacteria


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences