Answer to Question #126788 in Biology for Kalong Joyce

Question

It is a warm day and you feel a little chilly. On checking your temperature, you find that your body temperature is 1.5 degrees below normal. Suggest 3 possible reasons for this situation. Describe briefly how your body will react to this dip in temperature.

Answer 1

Decreased body temperature can be caused by:

• Hypothyroidism (abnormal functioning of thyroid glands;
• Infectious agents that affect thermoregulation;
• Mental disorders and stresses.

In the case of hypothermia, the organism will increase body temperature to normal ranges. In particular, the increased metabolic rate, narrowing of the skin blood vessels, and muscles shivering will be observed.