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Lesson: Chapter 6 — Human body processes

Hormones and homeostasis 5 of 5

Controlling temperature and water

Body temperature stays near 37 °C, between about 36 and 37.5 °C. The hypothalamus in the brain senses the temperature of the blood and controls it.

When the body is too hot

Sweating: evaporating sweat cools the skin.

Skin blood vessels widen and lose heat.

When the body is too cold

Shivering: muscle activity makes heat.

Skin blood vessels narrow and keep heat in.

Water balance

When the body is short of water, the pituitary releases more ADH (antidiuretic hormone). The kidneys then reabsorb more water, and a little concentrated urine is made. With plenty of water, less ADH is released and a lot of dilute urine is made.