Describe how blood vessels help to control body temperature?

In hot environments, blood vessels under the surface of the skin dilate to allow more blood to flow through them. This causes more heat to be lost from the blood to the environment so body temperature decreases to a normal level.
In cold environments, the opposite occurs and the blood vessels under the surface of the skin constrict. This makes it harder for blood to flow through them and less heat is lost from the blood to the environment. Body temperature is able to increase back to a normal level.

AC
Answered by Annabel C. Biology tutor

3752 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

In a fish and chips shop, the potatoes are cut hours before they are cooked, but they must not dry out. To stop this, the owner soaks them in a salt solution. Define the process of osmosis and explain what would happen if you used distilled water.


Name three common components of blood; as well as how they are removed from the plasma


What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?


Human body temperature is kept within a narrow range. When the core body temperature is too low, this is detected by the thermoregulatory centre in the brain. Describe how the body responds when a decrease in core body temperature is detected.


We're here to help

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

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning