Thermoregulation

Thermoregulation

Thermoregulation (pronounced: ther·mo·reg·u·la·tion) is a process that allows the human body to maintain its core internal temperature. All thermoregulation mechanisms are designed to return the body to homeostasis. This is a state of equilibrium.

Etymology

The term "thermoregulation" is derived from the Greek words "therme" which means heat and "regulation" which means controlling or directing.

Definition

Thermoregulation is the ability of an organism to keep its body temperature within certain boundaries, even when the surrounding temperature is very different. This process is one aspect of homeostasis: a dynamic state of stability between an animal's internal environment and its external environment (the study of such processes in zoology has been called ecophysiology or physiological ecology).

Mechanisms

Thermoregulation in organisms runs along a spectrum from endothermy to ectothermy. Endotherms create most of their heat via metabolic processes, and are colloquially referred to as warm-blooded. Ectotherms use external sources of temperature to regulate their body temperatures. They are colloquially referred to as cold-blooded despite the fact that their body temperatures often stay within the same temperature ranges as warm-blooded animals.

Related Terms

• Homeostasis
• Endothermy
• Ectothermy
• Ecophysiology
• Physiological ecology

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Thermoregulation
• Wikipedia's article - Thermoregulation

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