Heat Generation and Loss in the Human Body, Mechanisms of Control and Extreme Heat and Cold Responses

Heat stroke in considered dangerous due to the high incidence of fatality associated with heat stroke. Heat stroke usually occurs in patients with a temperature or 40"aC or higher, at this temperature damage occurs to body tissue and organs, the brain is usually the first affected, this is due to the brain being sensitive to electrolyte imbalances. If cooling measures are not initiates rapidly, permanent central nervous system damage can occur (Potter and Perry 1995). In the hypothermia skin temperature usually drops to about 35"aC and the physical symptoms are loss of memory, depression and poor judgement. If the temperature drops below 34.4"aC heart, respiratory rate and blood pressure begin to fall and if hypothermia progresses cardiac dysrhythmia and loss consciousness can occur. In serve cases death may occur or signs similar to death will be apparent (Potter & Perry 1995).
Control of body temperature is essential for the maintenance of the body tissues & organs and efficient energy utilisation this is important as this allows us to live in a broad selection of environments. This also allows humans to partake in various activities without excess heat or cold causing problems or ceasing activity.
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