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Thermoregulation

Thermoregulation

The human body has a sophisticated thermoregulation system that employs negative feedback mechanisms to maintain an optimal core temperature. When the core temperature drops, peripheral and central thermoreceptors send signals to the hypothalamus, activating the heat-promoting center. This center triggers several responses aimed at increasing the core temperature. First, vasoconstriction reduces the flow of warm blood from internal organs to the skin so that the heat is not lost from the skin,...

Body Temperature

Body Temperature

The body's temperature, measured in degrees, is determined by the balance between heat production and dissipation to the surrounding environment. For instance, if exercising vigorously, the body will produce more heat, causing sweat and dissipating that heat. Despite extreme environmental conditions and physical exertion, the human temperature-control system maintains a constant core body temperature (the temperature of deep tissues, which are the tissues located beneath the skin and other...

Body Temperature

Body Temperature

Body temperature reflects the equilibrium between heat production and heat loss within the body. Most heat is generated by metabolically active tissues, particularly the liver, heart, brain, kidneys, and endocrine organs. At rest, skeletal muscles contribute 20–30% of total heat production, but during vigorous exercise, this can increase up to 30–40 times.
The average body temperature is approximately 37°C (98.6°F) and typically ranges from 36.1–37.2°C (97–99°F), remaining relatively stable...

Diencephalon: Hypothalamus and Coordination

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Thermosensation

Thermosensation

Peripheral thermosensation is the perception of external temperature. A change in temperature (on the surface of the skin and other tissues) is detected by a family of temperature-sensitive ion channels called Transient Receptor Potential, or TRP, receptors. These receptors are located on free nerve endings. Those detecting cold temperatures are closer to the surface of the skin than the nerve endings detecting warmth. These thermoTRP channels, while temperature selective, have relatively...

Regulation of Metabolism

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Determining Basal Energy Expenditure and the Capacity of Thermogenic Adipocytes to Expend Energy in Obese Mice

Determining Basal Energy Expenditure and the Capacity of Thermogenic Adipocytes to Expend Energy in Obese Mice

Published on: November 11, 2021

Central control of thermogenesis.

John C Clapham¹

¹AstraZeneca R&D, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, SK10 4TG, UK. John.Clapham@astrazeneca.com

Neuropharmacology

|November 9, 2011

Summary

Thermogenesis, the body's heat production, is vital for survival and involves the sympathetic nervous system. Targeting this system offers potential for treating human obesity and aiding weight loss.

Area of Science:

Physiology
Neuroendocrinology
Pharmacology

Background:

Maintaining core body temperature around 37°C is crucial for mammals and birds.
Thermogenesis, the process of heat production, includes obligatory (basal metabolic rate) and facultative (response to cold) components.
A complex thermoregulatory system, involving hypothalamic centers, controls heat generation, conservation, and dissipation.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the role of the sympathetic nervous system in basal metabolic rate and adaptive thermogenesis.
To emphasize the relevance of sympathetic pathways in the context of human obesity.
To explore potential pharmacological interventions targeting the thermoregulatory circuit for obesity treatment.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on thermoregulation and the sympathetic nervous system.

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Last Updated: May 27, 2026

Determining Basal Energy Expenditure and the Capacity of Thermogenic Adipocytes to Expend Energy in Obese Mice

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Published on: November 11, 2021

Measuring Skeletal Muscle Thermogenesis in Mice and Rats

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Discussion of the differential sympathetic drive to various tissues.

Analysis of current and developing pharmacotherapies for obesity with thermogenic potential.

Main Results:

The sympathetic nervous system plays a critical role in both basal and adaptive thermogenesis.
Differential sympathetic innervation of tissues presents complex challenges and opportunities for pharmacotherapy.
Several drug candidates targeting the thermoregulatory circuit show potential for weight management.

Conclusions:

Targeting the central control of thermogenesis via the sympathetic nervous system is a promising strategy for obesity treatment.
Pharmacological activation of thermogenesis could aid in weight loss maintenance.
Balancing thermogenic effects with cardiovascular risks is essential for therapeutic development.