How is body temperature regulated in mammals?

When it’s too hot, vasodilation occurs, in which the capillaries near the surface of the skin increase in diameter, allowing more blood to flow through them, releasing heat. Hairs on the skin lie flat. The sweat glands become active, which allows heat to be lost by evaporation. Some mammals will also begin to pant. When it’s too cold vasoconstriction will take place, limiting blood supply near the skin surface. The erector muscles in the skin will contract, causing hairs to stand up straight, trapping air. The sweat glands are inactive. Shivering (rapid contraction and relaxation of the muscles) to generate heat may also occur.

AL
Answered by Aylin L. Biology tutor

6446 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Name 3 barriers against infection


Why do energy and biomass decrease at successive stages of the foodchain?


Why does food decay faster in hotter climates?


Describe what happens to fish protein in the human stomach.


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