Controlling temperature
The skin
The skin has many structures which allow it to function well as an organ which can regulate body temperature. It is important to maintain body temperature at 37°C as this is the temperature at which the body’s A protein which catalyses or speeds up a chemical reaction. work best.
The skin is shown in this diagram.
The hairs on the skin help to control body temperature. They lie flat when we are warm, and rise when we are cold.
When too warm:
- the hair erector muscle relaxes, lowering the hair
- a thin insulating layer of air is trapped above the skin
- more heat is lost to the environment
When too cold:
- the hair Tiny muscles found in skin which help hairs stand erect to trap warm air. contracts, raising the hair
- the hairs trap a thicker layer of air above the skin
- the air To help maintain the temperature. the skin against heat loss
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