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How does the body regulate temperature?

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Quick answer

The body keeps a steady temperature using the brain as a thermostat. When you're too hot, you sweat and blood vessels widen to release heat; when too cold, you shiver and vessels narrow to keep heat in — all to protect your vital processes.

Step by step

  1. The brain's hypothalamus acts as a thermostat.
  2. Too hot: you sweat and blood vessels widen to shed heat.
  3. Too cold: you shiver and vessels narrow to retain heat.
  4. This keeps core temperature near 37°C (98.6°F).

People also ask

How does the body regulate temperature?
The brain senses temperature and triggers sweating, shivering, and blood vessel changes to stay near 37°C.
Why do we shiver when cold?
Rapid muscle contractions generate heat to warm the body back toward its set point.
Why do we sweat when hot?
Sweat evaporates off the skin, carrying away heat and cooling the body.

Part of the guide: How Your Body Works →