How Does the Body React to Heat?

Your body strives to function optimally. This includes ensuring that all its organs and its internal temperature operate effectively. Homeostasis is a term that describes the body's regulating processes to ensure that it avoids or manages undue stress, such as heat stress.

Your body runs best when its internal temperature is 98.5° Fahrenheit. When your body is exposed to temperatures that increase or decrease this temperature, your body reacts in an effort to achieve temperature stasis. This process includes sweating, which works to cool your body's temperature and balance its fluids and salts. Your body will also send messages to your blood vessels, telling them to dilate. Larger blood vessels can carry more fluids, salts, and blood to your skin. This increases your skin's temperature, which encourages your sweat to evaporate and cool to regulate your body temperature.

To learn more about Heat Stress visit our Heat Stress, Illness & Injury Safety Online Training web page.