How does the body respond to increased body temperature in order to maintain homeostasis and why is this an important mechanism ?

The body responds in three ways: by the blood vessels in our skin dilating (vasodilation) so heat is brought the surface and can be lost by radiation, by sweat glands secreting sweat loosing heat that is trapped in the sweat and the hairs on our skin lie flat to prevent air trapping, all processes lead to a loss of heat to the surroundings.Body temperature homeostasis is important as if the body temperature is too high enzymes can denature and loose their function so maintaining our body temperature at around 37 degrees provided an optimum environment for our enzymes to function.

Answered by Ailsa F. Biology tutor

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