Temperature

Regulation
Disorders
Introduction
• Body temperature -controlled by the
hypothalamus.
• Neurons in the preoptic anterior hypothalamus
and the posterior hypothalamus
• Receive two kinds of signals: from peripheral
nerves and the other from the temperature of the
blood bathing the region.
• Maintain the core temperature between 36.5 &
37.5°C, despite environmental variations
 Hypothermia
excessively low body temperature, characterized by
uncontrollable shivering, loss of coordination, and
mental confusion
This occurs when the body begins to lose heat faster
than it can be produced. Prolonged exertion leads
to progressive muscular fatigue. As exposure
continues and additional body heat is lost, the cold
reaches the brain. One loses judgment and the
ability to reason. Speech becomes slow and slurred
and control of the hands is lost.
 Signs and symptoms
Early Signs
- Shivering
- Pale, cold skin
- Cold environment
As the condition worsens
- No shivering, even though the
person is cold
- Increasing drowsiness
- Irrational behavior and confusion
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Slow, weak pulse
- Walking becomes clumsy and
tendency of wanting to lie down
and rest escalates
Treatment
- If the victim is unconscious, open
airway and check for breathing
- If the victim is conscious, bring to
shelter or keep in warm room
- Replace wet clothes with dry
ones
- Give high energy foods and
warm drinks
- Cover the head, hands, and
feet because heat is lost through
the extremities
- Do not let the victim lie down
and rest since the core
temperature is dropping.
Without treatment, one might
lose consciousness and die.
- Transport the victim to a medical
facility as quickly as possible .
 Vasoconstriction
Constructing blood vessels increases the
stimulating capacity of the skin, but it also
results in a marked reduction in the
temperature of the extremities. Protective
vasoconstriction often leads to discomfort in
the gingers and toes. Blood is rerouted to
the deeper, more vital body organs.
To relieve pain, it is necessary to
warm the affected area or raise the
core temperature. While shivering
may cause some increase in
temperature, gross muscular activity
is far more effective in restoring heat
to the troubled area. Shivering is the
defense mechanism of the body
against cold.
Core temperature is the temperature
of the deep organs. The temperature
of the body is normally at 37 degrees
Celsius or 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. It
adjusts to enzyme activity within the
muscles. Changes in core
temperature can be reflected in the
skin.
Cold Acclimatization
This refers to metabolic adjustments are done as
well as improved tissue insulation. Large body
mass, short extremities, and increased levels of
body fat help to get acclimatized to cold
weather.