AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Normally, the vessels that supply blood to the skin constrict or narrow in response to cold temperatures. This reaction, called “vasoconstriction, ” decreases blood flow to the skin, which helps to minimize heat loss from the warm blood and therefore preserve a normal internal or “core” temperature.

Detailed explanation-2: -Exposure to cold stimulates cold receptors of the skin which causes cold thermal sensations and stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. Sympathetic stimulation causes vasoconstriction in skin, arms and legs.

Detailed explanation-3: -Cutaneous vasoconstriction decreases skin blood flow and lowers skin temperature, thereby reducing the skin-to-air temperature gradient and the potential for heat transfer to the environment.

Detailed explanation-4: -When you’re exposed to the cold, your blood vessels constrict, or become narrower, to conserve heat and keep your core warm. This decreases blood flow to the skin and the extremities (hands and feet).

Detailed explanation-5: -Vasoconstriction warms the body by reducing heat loss from the blood vessels of the skin. Vasodilation cools the body by increasing heat loss from the blood vessels of the skin.