How does the human body maintain 98.6 degrees?

Question

I think its pretty amazing that it can maintain such an exact temperature even when its below zero degrees, or up to 120 degrees outside. As far as i know, when its hot you sweat to maintain the temperature, but how does your body maintain the temperature when its below zero outside?

Answer 1

your body is constantly changing, always trying to keep equilibrium. to keep the body temperature at 98.6, it is performing what is called homeostasis. this is the process by which the body will change and balance to keep equilibrium of temperature. this may mean getting sick one day and being perfectly healthy the next. as a warm blooded creature, our homeostasis is quite effective because we do not require manipulation of our environment to maintain a good internal temperature. our body does it for us, no matter how cold is it or hot. in extreme cold for example, your body will constrict the bloodvessels in your arms, legs, hands, and feet in order to maintain a heavy flow of blood to your vital organs to keep homeostasis there.

cold blooded creatures have a harder time. lizards for example must bask in the sun if they become too cold and rest in the shade if they become too hot, or they may become sick or die.

hope that helps!

Answer 2

All I know is that when it's cold, your muscles shiver to produce heat in your body.

Answer 3

Isnt 98.6 the normal degree of ur body?

You can wear more clothes to maintain ur body temperature when its below zero outside.If not, ur body temperature is gonna change and u will get sick.

Answer 4

thats is why we are called endothermic. vs ectothermic reptiles and amphibians. This means we use energy from within to keep out bodies warm or cool. Thats why we eat and drink. So those nutrients can be broken down into energy. (the basic thing we need for every bodily function. This is what ATP is). We need energy to jump sleep and do functions we cannot control like keep warm or cold. When you get a little cold the body forces the blood to areas that need the warmth the most like the heart. and takes it away from those that need it the least like the hands and feet.  When its so cold that your body cant produce enough energy for the heat to come from within. It goes to external measures such as forcing you to move to stay warm (shivering). Even colder? enough blood will leave your head (another extremity) leading to the whole "falling asleep and never waking up". This obviously shows the body values the heart as most important for survival. Since it works the hardest to keep that area warm.  

The body is amazing.  

Answer 5

Aside from behavioral responses such as seeking a warmer place or putting on a thick layer of clothing, there are motor responses like shivering and pilo-erection (goosebumps) to minimize exposed skin surface area.