SUBJECT: INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
I. EXPLAIN THE MECHANISM OF TEMPERATURE REGULATION BY THE SKIN
The skin plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature through a process called
thermoregulation.
When the body become too hot, the skin helps to cool it down through several processes:
a- Vasodilation:
the blood vessels in the skin dilate or widen, allowing more blood to flow near the surface. This
increases heat loss through radiation and conduction, as the warm blood transfers heat to the
surrounding air or objects.
b- Sweating:
sweat glands in the skin produce sweat, which is mostly composed of water. As the sweat evaporates
from the skin’s surface, it takes away heat energy from the body, cooling it down.
c- Heat dissipation:
the skin can also dissipate heat through convection and conduction. Convection occurs when heat is
transferred to the air surrounding the skin, while conduction involves direct contact with cooler
objects or surfaces.
On the other hand, when the body becomes too cold, the skin helps to conserve heat through
different mechanisms.
d- Vasoconstriction:
the blood vessels in the skin constrict or narrow, reducing blood flow near the surface. This
conserves heat by minimizing heat loss through radiation and conduction.
e- Shivering:
when the body temperature drops significantly, muscles in the skin contract rapidly, generating heat
through friction. This involuntary muscle movement is known as shivering and helps to raise body
temperature.
f- Pilomotor reflex:
in response to cold temperatures, tiny muscles attached to air follicles contact, causing the air on
the skin to stand up. This creates an insulating layer of air around the skin, reducing heat loss.
II. STATE AND EXPLAIN THE VARIOUS WAYS BY WHICH HEAT CAN BE LOSS BY THE BODY
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Radiation:
This is the process by which heat is emitted in the form of infrared radiation. The body constantly
radiates heat to thee surrounding environment, and the amount of heat loss depends on the
temperature difference between the body and its surroundings.
Conduction:
Heat can be transferred through direct contact with cooler objects or surfaces. When the body
comes into contact with a colder object, such as sitting on a cold chair, heat is conducted from
the body to the object, resulting in heat loss.
Convection:
Convection involves the transfer of heat through the movement of air or fluid. When air or fluid
comes into contact with the skin, it absorbs heat from the body and carries it away. For example,
when win blows over the skin, it enhances heat loss through convection.
Evaporation:
This is a significant mechanism for heat loss, especially during physical activity or in hot
environments. When sweat evaporates from the skin’s surface, it takes away heat energy from
the body, cooling it down. Evaporation is an efficient way to lose heat because it requires a large
amount of energy to convert liquid water into vapor.
Respiration:
Heat can also be lost through respiration, particularly during exhalation. When we breathe out
warm air, we release heat energy into the surrounding environment.
