Control of body temperature (biology only) — AQA GCSE Biology
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Control of body temperature (biology only) explained
Inside the thermoregulatory centre are receptors that detect the temperature of the blood flowing through the brain.
Read the full explanation
Because blood circulates from the core, its temperature reflects the body's internal temperature, so these receptors give a direct measure of core temperature. They are separate from temperature receptors in the skin, which detect external temperature and warn the brain about changes in the environment. The centre combines both sets of information to decide whether to activate cooling or warming responses. This dual input allows the body to respond both to internal changes, such as during exercise, and to external changes, such as entering a cold room.
Your focus
- Identify what the thermoregulatory centre receptors detect.
- Contrast blood receptors with skin temperature receptors.
- Explain why blood temperature indicates core temperature.
Control of body temperature (biology only) exam tips
Marking Points
- Receptors in the thermoregulatory centre detect blood temperature.
- Blood temperature reflects core body temperature because blood circulates from the core.
- Skin receptors detect external temperature and provide separate information.
- The centre integrates both inputs before triggering a response.
- This allows responses to internal and external temperature changes.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Distinguish blood receptors from skin receptors clearly.
- 💡Explain why blood temperature represents core temperature.
- 💡Use the term core temperature accurately.
Common Mistakes
- Saying the receptors detect skin temperature; correction: they detect blood temperature, while skin receptors detect external temperature.
- Thinking the receptors are in the blood vessels; correction: they are in the thermoregulatory centre in the brain.
- Believing only one source of information is used; correction: both blood and skin inputs are combined.