The temperature control centre in mammals is located in the?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which part of the body acts as the "thermostat" (temperature control centre) in mammals.

Step 2: Explain the concept Mammals are homeoiotherms (endotherms), meaning they keep their body temperature roughly constant (about 37°C in humans) regardless of the surroundings. This process is called thermoregulation, and it is a type of homeostasis.

Thermoregulation works through a feedback system:

• Receptors: Thermoreceptors in the skin detect external temperature changes. Receptors in the hypothalamus detect the temperature of the blood passing through it.
• Control centre: The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, receives this information and compares it with the "set point".
• Effectors: Skin (sweat glands, blood vessels, hair erector muscles) and muscles carry out the response.

Step 3: Work through the options

• A. Skin: The skin is an effector and receptor (it sweats, and its blood vessels dilate or constrict), but it does not control the process. ✗
• B. Hypothalamus: Part of the brain that coordinates the body's response to temperature changes. It triggers sweating and vasodilation when we are too hot, and shivering and vasoconstriction when we are too cold. ✓
• C. Pituitary gland: It secretes hormones (e.g. growth hormone, ADH) and is called the "master gland", but it is not the temperature centre. ✗
• D. Adrenal gland: It secretes adrenaline and other hormones, mainly for "fight or flight" responses. ✗

Step 4: Answer

Exam tip: Remember "Hypo-thermostat": the hypothalamus is the body's thermostat. When a question asks about the control centre in homeostasis, think brain (hypothalamus). When it asks about response organs, think skin, muscles and glands.