Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
04:54
Using a Combination of Indirect Calorimetry, Infrared Thermography, and Blood Glucose Levels to Measure Brown Adipose Tissue Thermogenesis in Humans
Published on: June 2, 2023
Quantifying patterns of endocranial heat distribution: brain geometry and thermoregulation
Emiliano Bruner1, José Manuel De La Cuétara, Fabio Musso
1Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana, Burgos, Spain. emiliano.bruner@cenieh.es
Summary
Brain geometry influences heat distribution, aiding thermoregulation studies. Numerical simulations quantify how endocranial shape changes impact brain cooling, relevant for understanding human evolution.
Area of Science:
- Paleoneurology
- Neuroscience
- Computational Biology
Background:
- Brain thermoregulation mechanisms and selective cooling capacity remain poorly understood.
- Brain geometry, alongside the vascular system, is crucial for heat distribution patterns.
- Encephalization in human evolution may involve changes in brain thermoregulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a quantitative method for analyzing heat dissipation patterns based on endocranial morphology.
- To investigate the relationship between endocranial shape variations and heat distribution.
- To apply this method to modern humans and chimpanzees as a case study.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing numerical simulations to model heat dissipation.
- Analyzing endocranial form as a proxy for brain morphology in fossils.
- Developing thermic maps to visualize and quantify heat loading on the endocranial surface.
Main Results:
- Thermic maps effectively visualize heat distribution on the endocranial surface.
- Quantification of heat distribution patterns (thermic spectrum) allows for comparisons.
- Normalized values reveal differences in heat distribution linked to brain shape, beyond size.
Conclusions:
- Numerical modeling provides a valuable quantitative approach to endocranial thermoregulation.
- This method offers a tool for investigating developmental (ontogenic) and evolutionary (phylogenetic) changes in brain thermoregulation.
- The approach is particularly relevant for paleoneurology, especially when studying fossil hominids with significant brain shape and size variations.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Body 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...
01:07Body 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...
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...
02:46Quantifying Heat
Thermal Energy Microscopically, thermal energy is the kinetic energy associated with the random motion of atoms and molecules. Temperature is a quantitative measure of “hot” or “cold”, which depends on the amount of thermal energy. When the atoms and molecules in an object are moving or vibrating quickly, they have a higher average kinetic energy (KE) (or higher thermal energy), and the object is perceived as “hot”, or it is described as being at a higher temperature. When the atoms and...
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Here is a stepwise guide to assessing the body temperature at the temporal artery using a temporal artery thermometer
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
01:26Thermoregulation
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,...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
Assessing tympanic membrane temperature involves using a tympanic membrane thermometer (TMT). Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...