Homeostasis: Thermoregulation

Homeostasis is defined as “the maintenance of a constant internal environment, within narrow limits, despite changes in the external environment.” It is why animals are able to survive in such a vast range of environments. For their bodily cells are able to sustain their function despite change, thus, enabling the animal to increase the survival of their species. Homeostasis is done through a specific set of receptors, effectors and an overall control system, which ensures the body sustains healthy levels of respiration to blood pressure. In this report reviewed will be the homeostasis system in context of thermoregulation in an athletic situation.

To begin with, thermoregulation is the maintenance of the body’s internal temperature. Its
For this area contains a high number of neurons that are “warm-sensitive” - responding to cold stimuluses, which will lead to signals sent to the control centre in regards to heat production.

Control Centre

Situated above the brainstem the Hypothalamus is overall in charge of both homeostasis and hormone release. It receives the sensory nerves from the skin’s epidermis and signals from Po in terms of the blood’s temperature. With these it maintains the core temperature by controlling bodily functions such as sweat glands and arteries. Added, also by manipulating the pituitary gland it releases the necessary hormones for thermoregulation. In outcome of this many effectors respond and mechanisms are then activated.

Effectors and mechanisms

In the instance of disrupting high temperatures such as day 4 of the Cancer Society Tour Aoeteroa when the temperature ranged from 30-35 degrees, the heat gain from both the physical strain and the sun needed to be subdued for re-establishment. To avoid the internal environment reaching lethal temperatures like ~40 degrees, the hypothalamus responded to the signals as made by the receptors. These signals notify the effectors which then activate the corrective
In consequence of this the blood flow is then signalled to increase in direction of the sweat glands- the effector. The cyclist is made to sweat. This to ensure the core temperature is sustained (homeostasis reestablished) as the sweat motions to cover the surface area of the body, the evaporation providing a cooling effect. The body uses evaporation again to its advantage through panting. Mainly caused by the heat gain from physical stress on the body the action of opening ones mouth to pant allows water on the tongue to evaporate simiarilary creating the effect of cooling like sweat. Though minimal in impact as humidity limits evaporation, both together despite the extreme external heat they help to some extent sustain the core