Abstract
The body’s temperature is controlled by the temperature regulating centre in the brain. A small amount of heat is produced by basic metabolism and muscle activity. The temperature regulating centre can control the temperature by:
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(1)
Altering the skin circulation. Dilating the blood vessels in the skin increases the blood flow through the skin and increases the heat loss. The casualty has a hot, flushed appearance. Constricting the blood vessels reduces the flow of blood and heat is conserved.
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(2)
Producing sweat from the skin’s sweat glands. A surface loses far more heat when it is wet. However, if the humidity of the air is high, the sweat does not evaporate quickly enough and heat loss is reduced.
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© 1986 MTP Press Limited
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Wood, J.A. (1986). Miscellaneous. In: Wood, J.A. (eds) The Theory of Advanced First Aid. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4908-9_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4908-9_9
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
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