Thermoregulation Of Body Temperature By Mammals

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maintain a constant body temperature which is usually above the environmental temperature, known as homeothermic.

Adapting to the Environment

Mammals live in a number of widespread environments around the world, forcing them to face daily and seasonal fluctuations in temperatures. Some mammals live in harsh environments, such as arctic or tropical regions, and must withstand extreme cold and heat. In order to maintain its correct body temperature, a mammal must be able to produce and conserve body heat in colder temperatures, as well as dissipate excess body heat in warmer temperatures. Some mammals have adapted to their environment by increasing their surface area in the extremities, such as large ears on the Zebou cattle.
Animals that are exposed to the cold have heavier organs, and their skin color is dependent upon the amount of radiation they are exposed to. In colder climates, fat under the skin provides mammals with necessary insulation. Due the to surface to ...

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Temperature

The hypothalamus is responsible for the regulation of a mammal's body temperature. This temperature control requires sensors, a control center and effectors. The two types of sensors which respond to hot and cold are found throughout the body in the skin, body core, and brain. The control center is in the hypothalamus of the brain, and acts as a thermostat which has a temperature set point. The effectors produce more heat (increased metabolic rate, shivering, brown fat metabolism), and change heat loss (blood vessel dilation or constrictions, erection of hair, curling up, sweating).
The skin is primary organ for removal of metabolic heat by cooling the ...

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