Body temperature regulation

Body temperature regulation, also known as thermoregulation, is a physiological process by which organisms maintain their internal body temperature within a narrow range despite changes in external conditions. In humans and other mammals, this is primarily controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain, which acts as the body's thermostat. The hypothalamus receives input from thermoreceptors located throughout the body that sense both core and skin temperatures. It then coordinates autonomic responses such as sweating, shivering, vasodilation or vasoconstriction, behavioral adaptations like seeking shade or warmth, and hormonal adjustments including thyroid hormone release for increased metabolism. These mechanisms ensure optimal enzyme activity and cellular function across varying environments. Disruption of these processes can lead to clinical conditions such as fever (an elevated set point), heat exhaustion/heat stroke (inadequate cooling), or hypothermia (insufficient heat production). Body temperature regulation is not itself a molecular target but rather an emergent property resulting from complex neural circuits—most notably involving preoptic area neurons expressing prostaglandin EP3 receptors—and peripheral effectors like sweat glands and brown adipose tissue

Other names

Body temperature regulationThermoregulation