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.

Answered by Aylin L. Biology tutor

5653 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are the differences between diffusion, active transport and osmosis?


How does temperature affect enzyme activity?


Describe the various functions of proteins in our body.


Describe how blood moves around the heart


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences