Homeostasis is the process by which the body maintains a stable internal environment. This internal environment is composed of many factors, including pH, energy production, and temperature. Our body temperature is, on average, around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. If our body temperature moves above or below that temperature too much, our bodies will try to correct that change. One of the primary ways that the body is able to lower temperature in the event that it gets too high is by releasing sweat.
As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 84,000 lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you succeed.
Get unlimited access to over 84,000 lessons.
Try it nowYou're likely familiar with what sweat looks and feels like. But do you know of what, exactly, it's composed? Sweat is a fluid that's released from the body's skin. When the body gets too hot, the nervous system will stimulate the glands of the skin to start producing this fluid, which is used to cool the body and bring its temperature down. Sweat is composed of several components:
Incidentally, these same components are found in urine, which is produced by the kidneys. Yes, urine and sweat essentially contain the same chemicals, but in different concentrations. Therefore, both of these organs are responsible for waste homeostasis.
Think about the times that you can remember sweating. I would guess that the most obvious times were those where the temperature around you was high or when you were performing some type of exercise or activity.
High temperatures outside of the body will initially cause the body temperature to change. Likewise, muscular activity will produce heat as energy is burned, causing internal body temperature change. In both cases, heat is being applied or produced around the body, and this can increase the body temperature outside of the normal range.
Sweat cools the body as it evaporates from the skin. Evaporation is the process of a liquid turning into a gas. During evaporation, the surface of the skin will typically become cooler as the sweat leaves. By doing this, the body can assist in cooling off and maintaining the normal body temperature. Typically, when we sweat, the body will continue this process until A) the temperature around us is lowered or B) the physical activity has stopped.
Since sweat is a very important factor in homeostasis, a lack of sweat can be dangerous to your health. Individuals who do not produce sweat experience a condition known as anhidrosis. Anhidrosis can be caused by diseases, such as Horner's syndrome, or overexertion in exercise. As a result, the body loses the ability to cool off, and this can damage other organ systems as they try to function at a higher temperature.
Typically, individuals who are suffering from anhidrosis due to overexertion must replenish their body fluids with exercise drinks or water, or they risk permanent damage and possibly death. Individuals with disease-based anhidrosis typically require medical assistance.
Sweat is a fluid produced by the skin in order to cool the body. As sweat evaporates, it leaves the surface of the skin cooler in order to bring down body temperature. Sweat contains water, salts, and urea, and is part of the excretory function of the skin. Without sweat, the body can experience damage to its organs and even death.
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
Already a member? Log In
Back