Answer:
- Body starts to sweat: The core body temperature exceeded the set range of 35 degrees to 41.5 degree celsius
- Breathing rate increases: Cells are not receiving adequate oxygen to produce adequate energy.
- Amount of saliva produced changes: Saliva is produced in response to pH changes in the mouth or the intake of food.
- Body starts to shiver: Core temperature dropped below the set range of 35 to 41.5 degree celsius.
Explanation:
Homeostasis:
Homeostasis is the physiological process of regulating the internal environment of the body against fluctuations in the external environment.
Homeostasis systems in the body follow the following basic scheme (from 1 to 4):
- Stimulus
- Sensor
- Control
- Effector
Various control centers in the body sense varying body conditions and in turn activate certain effector mechanisms to regulate the changing conditions.
Thermoregulation:
- Thermoregulation is the control and regulation of the optimum core temperature of the body between the range 35 to 41.5 degree celsius.
- The control center is the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that receives signals from receptors in the body and initiates the appropriate response.
- If the core temperature exceeds the optimum range, two mechanisms are initiated:
- The blood vessels towards the skin and extremities dilate, increasing the blood flow, allowing heat loss to the environment.
- Sweat glands are activated, evaporation of sweat produces a cooling effect.
- If the core temperature decreases, again, two mechanisms are activated:
- Blood vessels to the extremities constrict to prevent heat loss; those towards the core dilate to provide maximum heat to the internal organs.
- Shivering mechanisms (involuntary muscle contractions) are activated that generate heat.
Respiratory Homeostasis:
During exercise or strenuous physical activity, our cells need to produce a large amount of energy through cellular respiration. Since, cellular respiration requires oxygen, more and more oxygen needs to be supplied to the cells. A low oxygen signal detected by the hypothalamus (control center in the brain) increases the breathing rate to ensure that sufficient oxygen reaches the cells.
Oral homeostasis:
The salivary glands maintain the homeostasis of the oral cavity. Saliva is not produced in response to food but to maintain the pH of the oral cavity to protect the teeth and enamel. Saliva contains the enzyme amylase which digests carbohydrates in the mouth. Therefore, the production of saliva increases in response to smell, sight and taste of food.
