In this post, we will talk about the heat exhaustion and heartstroke in I/GCSE Biology. Let's get started! 😉
Heat production
When we exercise
- Heat production and body temperature increase when in a race compared to when resting
Body temperature
In I/GCSE Biology, you should remember the reason why our body is kept at 37°C
Why is our body kept at 37°C?
Do you remember the topic regarding enzymes in I/GCSE Biology?
- Body = internal temperature of 37°C
- Temperature at which enzymes work best
- Enzymes ➡️ speed up chemical reactions in the body
- Slow chemical reactions if body under 37°C, even slower if above
- Enzymes change structure and stop working if temperature above 45°C
- Homeostasis ➡️ process of keeping things constant & balanced in body
- Salts (sodium chloride) needed to help body work properly
- Na and Cl levels in blood controlled by kidneys (lost when sweating)
- Need balance of ion and water levels (sports drinks help replace these)
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
In I/GCSE Biology, it'd be better to memorize what heat exhaustion and heatstroke are!
- Both heat related conditions
Heat exhaustion – core temperature at 40°C
- water and salt levels drop
- symptoms = nausea, heavy sweat.
- When untreated = heatstroke
- Taken to cool place + drink lots of water
Heatstroke – core temperature above 40°C.
- Cells break down & important parts of body stop working.
- Symptoms = confusion, unconsciousness.
- When untreated = multiple organ failure, brain damage, death
- Cool core temp – ice packs / cold shower
Balancing the water budget
Last but not least, let's talk about a little bit of osmoregulation in I/GCSE Biology!
- Loose water ➡️ urinate, pass faeces, sweat and air we breathe out (misty mirror when breathe on it)
- Kidneys control balance of water + ions in body.
- Do it by passing urine ➡️ contains excess salts + water + other waste materials (body doesn’t need these)
References:
- "IGCSE Biology Notes:Understand that Homeostasis is the Maintenance of a Constant Internal Environment and that Body Water Content and Body Temperature are Both Examples of Homeostasis", https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/VYRNrV-j5X-gNcZ025SAbpgNIUR7yz1fz-6Uhm0YGP0w8W_6e_mUZs3vZtkyzgWE3vhTOtCgKRIRd_7DYPfEmBnpUbGyiUcTfXEWwb12-J6dfCw5VA6TLqNFv2GpThdiHIl36yft
- "Heat-Related Illness in Children in an Era of Extreme Temperatures", https://pedsinreview.aappublications.org/content/pedsinreview/40/3/97/F1.large.jpg?width=800&height=600&carousel=1
"Biology Notes B1 Year 10". Document of I/GCSE Biology,
https://getrevising.co.uk/resources/gcse-b1-notes
And we're done with this topic! Well Done!
Drafted by Alyssa (Biology)