B7 Quiz - Body control systems (Blood sugar/temperature)

The human body is designed to function most efficiently at 27 degrees Celsius.

What are the three responses which the body may use to increase body temperature?

Shivering is when muscles contract and relax rapidly.

Body temperature can [blank_start]increase[blank_end] as a result of being in a warm environment or as a result of exercise. During exercise, respiration releases energy in the [blank_start]muscles[blank_end]. When the body temperature is too high, the skin produces [blank_start]sweat[blank_end], which [blank_start]evaporates[blank_end] from the surface of the skin. As it evaporates, it takes [blank_start]heat[blank_end] energy from the body. If the body sweats a lot, such as during strenuous exercise on a hot day, the body can lose a lot of water and become [blank_start]dehydrated[blank_end]. The body may then have insufficient water to make sweat, so the body’s [blank_start]core[blank_end] temperature may continue to [blank_start]rise[blank_end]. This can be very dangerous.

What area of the brain is responsible for controlling temperature?

When the [blank_start]hypothalamus[blank_end] senses that the body temperature is too high, it sends impulses which cause [blank_start]blood[blank_end] vessels supplying the capillaries in the skin to dilate. This is called vaso[blank_start]dilation[blank_end]. The increased blood flow to the surface tissues under the skin means that more heat is [blank_start]lost[blank_end].

When the hypothalamus senses that the body temperature is too [blank_start]low[blank_end], it sends impulses which cause blood vessels supplying the [blank_start]capillaries[blank_end] in the skin to contract. This is called [blank_start]vaso[blank_end]constriction and it reduces the [blank_start]blood[blank_end] flow to the surface [blank_start]tissues[blank_end] under the skin. As a result, less heat is lost.

What is insulin?

Insulin causes sugars to be stored in the liver in the form of glycogen and this in turn lowers your blood sugar level.

Type 1 diabetes Type 1 diabetes occurs when the [blank_start]pancreas[blank_end] does not produce insulin. It is usually caused by [blank_start]genetic[blank_end] factors and usually develops during [blank_start]childhood[blank_end]. Type 1 diabetes is controlled by [blank_start]testing[blank_end] blood sugar levels regularly and injecting [blank_start]insulin[blank_end]. People with this form of diabetes also need to make sure they eat a [blank_start]healthy[blank_end] diet. Type 2 diabetes Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce [blank_start]enough[blank_end] insulin, or the body does not [blank_start]respond[blank_end] to the insulin. It usually develops in [blank_start]later[blank_end] life and is more likely to arise because of poor diet or [blank_start]obesity[blank_end]. Type 2 diabetes can usually be controlled by changes in diet and [blank_start]exercise[blank_end]. However, type 2 diabetics can end up on insulin, especially in cases where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. (Note that type1 diabetics don’t have an [blank_start]option[blank_end] - they have to have insulin.)

A balanced diet which includes complex carbohydrates and fibre can help to maintain a steady blood sugar level.