Geneva was walking on the beach on a crisp November morning when a cool wind came her way. How would Geneva’s body respond to maintain homeostasis?

3 answers

When Geneva is walking on the beach in a cool wind on a crisp November morning, her body would implement several physiological responses to maintain homeostasis, particularly to regulate her body temperature. Here are a few key responses:

  1. Vasoconstriction: Her blood vessels, particularly those near the surface of the skin, would constrict (narrow) to reduce blood flow to the skin. This helps to minimize heat loss by reducing the amount of warm blood that can escape to the cooler environment.

  2. Shivering: If the temperature drop is significant, her body might initiate shivering, which is an involuntary response that generates heat through rapid muscle contractions.

  3. Increased metabolism: Her body could increase its metabolic rate to produce more heat. Hormonal responses, such as the release of thyroid hormones, may enhance this process.

  4. Behavioral responses: Beyond physiological changes, Geneva might also engage in behavioral adaptations, such as pulling her jacket tighter, walking faster, or seeking shelter from the wind to conserve body heat.

These combined responses would help her body maintain its core temperature and overall physiological balance in the cooler conditions.

Geneva was walking on the beach on a crisp November morning when a cool wind came her way. How would Geneva’s body respond to maintain homeostasis?

✔ by shivering

Which statements describe how the body maintains homeostasis on a hot day? Check all that apply.

The nervous system and the muscular system work together.
The muscular system and skeletal system work together.
Muscles make small, rapid movements to produce heat within the body.
Sweat reaches the surface of the skin and evaporates into the air.
Muscles underneath the skin contract, causing hair on the skin to stand up.
Muscles underneath the skin relax, causing hair on the skin to lay flat.

To describe how the body maintains homeostasis on a hot day, the following statements would apply:

  1. The nervous system and the muscular system work together.

    • This is true, as the nervous system helps regulate body temperature through various responses.
  2. The muscular system and skeletal system work together.

    • This is less relevant for thermoregulation on a hot day, as the skeletal system is not primarily involved in heat regulation.
  3. Muscles make small, rapid movements to produce heat within the body.

    • This statement is incorrect in the context of a hot day, as the body tries to cool down, not produce heat.
  4. Sweat reaches the surface of the skin and evaporates into the air.

    • This is true; sweating is one of the primary mechanisms the body uses to cool down by evaporative cooling.
  5. Muscles underneath the skin contract, causing hair on the skin to stand up.

    • This is incorrect in the context of hot weather; this response is more relevant in cold conditions (goosebumps).
  6. Muscles underneath the skin relax, causing hair on the skin to lay flat.

    • This statement is true; in response to heat, the body relaxes the tiny muscles at the base of hair follicles to allow heat loss.

Summary:

The correct statements regarding how the body maintains homeostasis on a hot day are:

  • The nervous system and the muscular system work together.
  • Sweat reaches the surface of the skin and evaporates into the air.
  • Muscles underneath the skin relax, causing hair on the skin to lay flat.