Thermoregulation

Definition

Thermoregulation is the process by which organisms maintain their internal body temperature within a tolerable range, despite external temperature changes. It involves various physiological responses to either produce or dissipate heat as needed.

Related terms

Homeostasis:

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in an organism despite fluctuations in external environments.

Metabolism:

The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms that includes both the breakdown of molecules to obtain energy and the synthesis of the compounds needed by cells.

Hypothalamus: A region of the brain that plays a critical role in thermoregulation by acting as the body's thermostat and initiating responses to temperature changes