Edexcel GCSE Biology

Thermoregulation

Edexcel GCSE Biology revision on Thermoregulation. Aligned to the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Biology 1BI0 specification. This bank has 5 practice questions on this topic.

Sample questions (3 of 5)

  1. Question 1

    Which physiological response occurs to increase heat loss when body temperature rises above the set point?

    • A) Sweat glands secrete more fluid
    • B) Arterioles undergo vasoconstriction
    • C) Skeletal muscles begin shivering
    • D) Hair erector muscles contract
    Show answer

    Answer: Sweat glands secrete more fluid

    When the hypothalamus detects high core temperature, it triggers vasodilation and the activation of sweat glands. Evaporation of sweat from the skin surface requires heat energy, which is taken from the body, effectively cooling the blood.

  2. Question 2

    What is the primary role of the hypothalamus in the human thermoregulation system?

    • A) Releasing energy from glucose
    • B) Acting as the control centre
    • C) Detecting changes in blood pH
    • D) Producing heat via metabolism
    Show answer

    Answer: Acting as the control centre

    The hypothalamus contains thermoreceptors that monitor the temperature of the blood flowing through the brain. It compares this data to the set point and coordinates appropriate responses by sending nerve impulses to the skin and muscles.

  3. Question 3

    Which process directly reduces heat loss by decreasing the volume of blood flowing near the skin surface?

    • A) Dilation of skin arterioles
    • B) Vasoconstriction of vessels
    • C) Increased sweat production
    • D) Metabolism of brown fat
    Show answer

    Answer: Vasoconstriction of vessels

    During vasoconstriction, the smooth muscles in the walls of arterioles supplying the skin capillaries contract. This reduces blood flow to the skin, minimising the amount of heat lost to the external environment through radiation.

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2 more questions on Thermoregulation — plus mistakes tracking and spaced repetition across the whole Biology spec.

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