Table 2.

Thermoregulatory role of key physiological systems.

Physiological System	Role in Thermoregulation
The cardiovascular system	Heart and blood vessels transport heat in blood Differential perfusion shunts blood and heat to skin for cooling Changes in heart rate and blood vessel tone compensate for dilated vasculature and dehydration
Nervous system Higher functions Paleo-brain (hypothalamus) Autonomic (sympathetic/parasympathetic) nerves	Cognitive assessment of risks, planning and taking action Control of thermoregulation Control and modulation of blood vessels, heart, sweat glands
Integumentary system (Skin)	Sweat glands moisten the skin- allowing for evaporative cooling Subcutaneous fat (insulation)
Renal, under influence of endocrine system	Water and electrolyte regulation