Choose one concept in our lesson today, give a brief explanation about the concept and cite how this learning can be applied in your daily life.
The concept of thermoregulation or how the body adjusts the heat balance to maintain its core temperature is what I have learned for today. Here, the blood vessels and blood flow vary in response to changes in the body’s core temperature, as well as the external environment. For instance, vasodilation happens when the internal and/or external temperatures rise, wherein the blood vessels dilate to allow more blood flow and to let the heat escape through the skin. On the other hand, vasoconstriction occurs when the external temperature falls, wherein the blood vessels constrict to allow less blood flow and to trap the heat inside the body as the pores close. With this, thermoregulation allows for the body to strive for equilibrium.
Practical applications of this concept include taking care of the self during fever, and being in an environment that is too hot or too cold for the body to handle. During fever, thermoregulation allows the body to let heat escape by sweating, which cools the skin as sweat evaporates. Also, under circumstances when the outside environment is too cold, thermoregulation works to trap and maintain the heat inside. Of course, we can also help this homeostatic regulatory process of our body by wearing clothes that are adapted for the environment we are in.