thermoregulation
Internal heat control
Thermoregulation is the process by which an organism maintains its body temperature within certain limits.
Warm-blooded animals like mammals and birds thermoregulate internally through metabolism, shivering, and sweating.
Cold-blooded animals rely on external sources—basking in sunlight or seeking shade.
The term also applies to mechanical systems: The building's thermoregulation failed during the heat wave.
Moisture through pores
- shiveringInvoluntary bodily trembling
- vasoconstrictionArterial walls contracting inward
- vasodilationRelaxation of vessel walls
- piloerectionInvoluntary hair-raising reflex
panting · goosebumps · perspiration · flushing · heat transfer · conduction · convection · radiation
Adjusting to new conditions
- hibernationProlonged winter dormancy
- torporInactive, sluggish state
- estivationWarm-season torpor state
- insulationThermal transfer prevention
blubber · fur · feathers · fat stores · burrowing · huddling · migration · basking
Subthalamic regulatory brain region
- core temperatureCentral body heat level
- set pointDesired control level
- feedback loopSelf-modifying cyclical process
- thermogenesisMetabolic production of warmth
heat dissipation · metabolic rate · body temperature · heat loss · heat exchange
Heat you feel
- blanketSoft bed covering
- insulationThermal transfer prevention
- layeringForming successive strata
- fleeceWool still on sheep
heated · woolens · cooling vest · climate control · air conditioning · heating · windchill · humidity
Dangerously low body temperature
- hyperthermiaDangerously elevated body temperature
- feverElevated body temperature
- heat strokeOverheating-caused medical crisis
- frostbiteFreezing of body tissue
heat exhaustion · heat stress · chills · rigors · night sweats · hot flashes · heat cramps · chilblains
Absorbing thermal energy
- ectothermicTemperature set by surroundings
- homeothermSelf-regulating warm creature
- warm-bloodedInternally temperature-regulated
- cold-bloodedUnfeeling or externally heated
sweating
Moisture through pores
- shiveringInvoluntary bodily trembling
- vasoconstrictionArterial walls contracting inward
- vasodilationRelaxation of vessel walls
piloerection · panting · goosebumps · perspiration · flushing · heat transfer · conduction · convection · radiation · evaporation
acclimatization
Adjusting to new conditions
- hibernationProlonged winter dormancy
- torporInactive, sluggish state
- estivationWarm-season torpor state
insulation · blubber · fur · feathers · fat stores · burrowing · huddling · migration · basking · nocturnal activity
hypothalamus
Subthalamic regulatory brain region
- core temperatureCentral body heat level
- set pointDesired control level
- feedback loopSelf-modifying cyclical process
thermogenesis · heat dissipation · metabolic rate · body temperature · heat loss · heat exchange
warmth
Heat you feel
- blanketSoft bed covering
- insulationThermal transfer prevention
- layeringForming successive strata
fleece · heated · woolens · cooling vest · climate control · air conditioning · heating · windchill · humidity · breathable fabric
hypothermia
Dangerously low body temperature
- hyperthermiaDangerously elevated body temperature
- feverElevated body temperature
- heat strokeOverheating-caused medical crisis
frostbite · heat exhaustion · heat stress · chills · rigors · night sweats · hot flashes · heat cramps · chilblains
endothermic
Absorbing thermal energy
- ectothermicTemperature set by surroundings
- homeothermSelf-regulating warm creature
- warm-bloodedInternally temperature-regulated
- developmentgrowth, progress, advancement, expansion, improvement
- adaptationnatural selection, evolution, mimicry, camouflage, hibernation
- animal behaviorsswimming, running, walking, jumping, flying
- bodily needsbreathing, oxygen, food, water, sleep
- body functionsbreathing, digestion, heartbeat, circulation, respiration
- feverfever, high fever, febrile, low-grade fever, feverish
thermoregulationthermal conduction
Heat moving through matter
heat dissipation · conduction · convection · radiation · passive cooling
thermoregulationhypothermia
Dangerously low body temperature
regulate, regulation, thermal, thermostat, thermoregulator, temperature regulation, thermo