Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

5. Integumentary System

Integumentary System: Thermoregulation

Anatomy & Physiology

5. Integumentary System

Integumentary System: Thermoregulation

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Problem 4

Textbook Question

Explain what happens to dermal blood vessels when heat needs to be conserved (i.e., due to a cold environment).

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of dermal blood vessels in thermoregulation: Dermal blood vessels are part of the body's mechanism to regulate temperature. They can constrict or dilate to either conserve or release heat.

Identify the physiological response to cold environments: When the body is exposed to cold, it needs to conserve heat to maintain core temperature. This triggers a process called vasoconstriction.

Explain vasoconstriction: Vasoconstriction is the narrowing of blood vessels, particularly in the dermis. This reduces blood flow to the skin, minimizing heat loss to the external environment.

Describe the role of the sympathetic nervous system: The sympathetic nervous system activates vasoconstriction by releasing neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, which bind to receptors on the smooth muscle of blood vessels, causing them to contract.

Discuss the overall effect: By reducing blood flow to the skin, the body conserves heat and prioritizes maintaining warmth in vital organs, ensuring survival in cold conditions.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Vasoconstriction

Vasoconstriction is the process by which blood vessels narrow, reducing blood flow to the skin's surface. This physiological response occurs when the body needs to conserve heat, especially in cold environments. By limiting blood flow to the dermal blood vessels, the body minimizes heat loss, helping to maintain core temperature.

Thermoregulation

Thermoregulation is the body's ability to maintain its internal temperature within a narrow range, despite external temperature fluctuations. It involves various mechanisms, including vasoconstriction and vasodilation, to either conserve or dissipate heat. This process is crucial for ensuring that enzymatic and metabolic functions operate optimally.

Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is a small region of the brain that plays a key role in regulating body temperature. It acts as the body's thermostat, detecting changes in temperature and initiating appropriate responses, such as vasoconstriction when the environment is cold. This ensures that the body can adapt to varying external conditions to maintain homeostasis.

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Related Practice

Multiple Choice

What is the result of the contraction of arrector pili muscles in the skin?

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Multiple Choice

How does the skin help to regulate body temperature?

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Multiple Choice

Given what you know about homeostasis, which type of feedback loop do you think vasoconstriction and vasodilation are classified as?

What happens in the integumentary system of a person who is overheating?

You are working in the emergency department when paramedics rush in with an unconscious patient. You notice that the patient is wearing athletic clothing and the skin on his face and elsewhere on his body is bright red. The paramedics tell you that he was picked up after collapsing during a bike race. What does the color of the patient's skin tell you about the probable cause of his illness? Explain.

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Multiple Choice

What may happen to the skin if an area is subject to prolonged pressure or friction?

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Multiple Choice

How do muscles contribute to thermoregulation in the human body?

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Multiple Choice

Which part of the brain regulates body temperature?