Describe the role of the human skin in homeostasis.

K.C.S.E Biology Q & A - MODEL 2014PP2QN08

Describe the role of the human skin in homeostasis.

answers

When body temperature is lowered below normal; arterioles in the skin constrict; blood is diverted to a shunt system; less blood flows to the skin/less heat is lost; when body temperature is raised above normal;arterioles in the skin dilate;more blood flows to the skin; more heat is lost by convection and radiation;when body temperature is lowered below normal:erector-pilli muscle s contract, hair stands erect; more air is trapped, air is a bad conductor;and insulates the body against heat loss; when body temperature is raised above normal: erectorpi11i muscles relax, hair lies on skin;less air is trapped, more heat is lost; when body temperature is lowered below normal: less fluids are absorbed by sweat glands;less sweating, less vaporisation of water;
when body temperature is raised above normal:sweat glands are more stimulated and more sweat is produced; water in sweat evaporates and takes up heat from the body;body is cooled/body temperature is lowered;