MadSci Network: Anatomy |
Hi Mark, Your question is a logical one that scientists years ago thought about as well. They thought that one organ such as the heart or the brain heated the blood, however we now know that the origin of the body's heat is from all cellular activities. As every living cell does its job, chemical reactions are occurring. These reactions are not 100% efficient and a waste product is produced in the form of heat. Muscle contraction also produces heat by friction. (Shivering when you are cold is a good illustration of this). When the heat from metabolism is released, it's picked up by interstitial fluid and this fluid which enters the blood and is distributed to all parts of the body. The body has heat sensing receptors that detect when the body is too hot or too cold. The body then makes whatever adjustments are necessary to maintain 98.6 F, which is the normal body temperature. This is equilibrating process is called homeostasis. I hope this answer helps. J. Bridger
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