Answer to Question #102318 in Human Anatomy and Physiology for Lamercie Civil

Question

Compare and contrast hypothermia and hyperthermia

Answer 1

Hypothermia is a process of extreme loss of heat by the organism. It is caused by the drop in the temperature in the environment that reduces body temperature. In response to decreased temperature, skin vessels become narrow, while the heart and liver produce more heat. However, if the loss of heat is still high, all the metabolic processes are significantly reduced to maintain the normal functioning of the brain. As a result, severe hypothermia is a life-threatening condition.

Hyperthermia is a process of extreme heating of the organism and is associated with an increase in body temperature. Hyperthermia is associated with heat stress caused by increased temperature in the environment. As a result, the body cannot lose enough heat through sweating. The process leads to the organism's exhaustion accompanied by weakness, rapid pulse, coordination issues, decreased blood pressure, etc. All these symptoms may affect the organism and cause death.