thermoregulation

Definition

Thermoregulation is the process by which organisms maintain their internal body temperature within a tolerable range, despite external temperature changes. It involves various physiological responses to either produce or dissipate heat as needed.

Analogy

Think of thermoregulation like the thermostat in your house. Just as a thermostat adjusts the heating or cooling to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, your body adjusts its heat production and loss to keep you at an optimal temperature for enzyme function and metabolism.

Related terms

Homeostasis: The maintenance of stable internal conditions in an organism despite fluctuations in external environments.

Metabolism: The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms that includes both the breakdown of molecules to obtain energy and the synthesis of the compounds needed by cells.

Hypothalamus: A region of the brain that plays a critical role in thermoregulation by acting as the body's thermostat and initiating responses to temperature changes