What responses in body systems occur when body temperature becomes too high?
Responses
The circulatory system expands vessels near the skin and the skin releases sweat from glands to remove heat and cool the body.
The muscular system contracts and releases sweat through the endocrine system, cooling the body.
The circulatory system constricts, increasing blood pressure and the rate of digestion increases.
The endocrine system releases hormones to speed up metabolism and circulation increases.
The respiratory system may increase the rate and depth of breathing to help remove excess heat from the body.
The nervous system may also play a role in regulating body temperature by controlling sweat production and blood flow to the skin.
If body temperature continues to rise to dangerous levels, the body may experience symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, including dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness. In extreme cases, organ damage and death can occur if the body is unable to cool down quickly enough.