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Hair fibers can trap air (some are even hollow eg the Polar Bear's), shed water, shield the skin from wind and camouflage the animal.

The animal uses its hairs to regulate temperature by either laying them flat to the skin (least insulation) or by making them stand out at a high angle to the skin (most insulation as more air gets trapped over a deeper distance). To do this each hair root (follicle) has a small erector muscle attached that can be used to pull the hair upright.

In humans, where the hairs are very fine (we appear hairless on our bodies despite having the same number of hairs as a chimpanzee), when the erector muscles work we see our skin as having 'goosebumps' when we are cold.

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How does the skin contribute to the regulation of body temperature?

The skin helps regulate body temperature by producing sweat to cool the body through evaporation and by constricting or dilating blood vessels to control heat loss or retention.


Why is temperature control is regarded as an example of a negative feedback?

Temperature control is an example of negative feedback because the body continually works to maintain a stable internal temperature. When body temperature rises, thermoreceptors signal the brain to trigger mechanisms such as sweating to cool down the body. Conversely, when body temperature drops, thermoreceptors signal for mechanisms like shivering to generate heat and raise the temperature. This feedback loop helps regulate the body's temperature within a narrow range.


What is the main function of the hypothalamus?

The main function of the hypothalamus is to regulate key processes in the body, such as body temperature, hunger and thirst, sleep-wake cycle, and hormone production. It acts as a control center that helps maintain homeostasis in the body.


How do sweat glands work to regulate body temperature?

Sweat glands regulate body temperature by producing sweat, which evaporates from the skin and cools the body. This process helps to maintain a stable internal temperature, even when the external environment is hot.


What is the purpose of sweat glands in our skin and how do they help regulate body temperature?

Sweat glands in our skin help regulate body temperature by producing sweat, which evaporates and cools the body. This process helps to maintain a stable internal temperature and prevent overheating.

Related Questions

How do whitetail deer regulate their body temperature in winter?

Their body temperature is controlled by their environment. Mammals are endothermic. Meaning that they control their own body temperature.


How do lizards control their temperature?

Because they are cold-blooded animals, lizards use heat sources outside of their body to regulate their temperature.


When can puppies regulate their body temperature?

Puppies can regulate their body temperature at around 3 weeks old.


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The part of a rat's body that is used to regulate their body temperature is the brain stem.


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Crickets live in environments where they can regulate their body temperature. They are ectotherms, which means they don't have physiological mechanisms to maintain their body temperature.


In what other way does the body self-regulate?

when you feel hot your body sweats to keep cool and regulate your body temperature when your bodies cooled you get goosebumps to regulate your body temperature this are to ways your body regulates


How do precapillary sphincters help regulate blood pressure and body temperature?

the Precapillary Sphincters control blood pressure and body temperature by regulating the flow of blood to the capillary bed.


What is a thermoconformer?

An animal that cannot regulate its body temperature internally is a thermoconformer. One that can regulate its body temperature internally is a thermoregulator.


When can puppies regulate their body temperature effectively?

Puppies can regulate their body temperature effectively at around 4 weeks of age.


When can puppies regulate their own body temperature?

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How do you regulate your body temperature?

with a/c