THE THERMAL HOMEOSTASIS OF MAN
Abstract
In further attempts to understand the thermal homeostasis of man new methods--gradient layer calorimetry and cranial thermometry--were developed and utilized. Gradient calorimetry and indirect calorimetry permitted the measurement at low inertia, of losses or gains of heat, the effects or responses in thermoregulation. Cranial and skin thermometry permitted the direct measurement of physical causes or stimuli near the sites of reception. Quantitative, reproducible and physiologically meaningful relations between stimuli and responses were observed. The stimuli are subtle, the responses are powerful by comparison. Physical thermoregulation was found to be elicited by central warm-reception. Chemical thermoregulation was found to originate from cold-reception at the skin. Yet, it is ultimately controlled like physical thermoregulation by central warm-reception, with an inhibitory function. Power and precision, thresholds, ranges and limitations of the autonomic mechanisms are described. A comparison of the calorimetric findings with well-known concepts of engineering demonstrates basic similarities between man and his technical devices. Servomechanisms and negative feedback, load-errors and the setpoint, on-off, proportional and rate-control were found to be common to physiological mechanisms in man, and man-made control systems. Applications of the experimental findings and cranial thermometry-techniques are briefly discussed. The report also demonstrates how homeostatic control is enforced by the central nervous system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0660301
Entities
People
- Theodor H. Benzinger
Organizations
- Naval Medical Research Center