In warm-blooded animals, also known as endotherms, body temperature is maintained within a relatively narrow range despite varying environmental temperatures. However, it is important to note that the body temperature of warm-blooded animals is not an absolute constant.
It can fluctuate slightly under different circumstances, such as during physical activity, illness, or changes in the animal's
circadian rhythm[1].
Warm-blooded animals have evolved complex thermoregulation mechanisms to maintain their body temperature within a specific range, which is optimal for their physiological processes and enzyme function. These mechanisms involve heat production through metabolic processes, heat conservation through insulation and vasoconstriction, and heat dissipation through mechanisms like sweating, panting, and vasodilation.
While the body temperature of warm-blooded animals is generally maintained within a narrow range, it can exhibit minor fluctuations. For example, in humans, the normal body temperature is approximately 98.6°F (37°C), but it can vary by about 0.9°F (0.5°C) during the day, usually being lower in the morning and higher in the evening. Additionally, factors like age, sex, and individual variations can result in slightly different normal body temperature ranges for different individuals. While the body temperature of warm-blooded animals is maintained within a relatively narrow range, it is not an absolute constant. Minor fluctuations can occur due to factors such as circadian rhythm, physical activity, and individual variations. These animals rely on complex thermoregulation mechanisms to ensure that their body temperature remains within an optimal range for their physiological processes.
The efficiency of
muscular action is also affected by temperature. In the warm-blooded animals temperature effects are minimal since the bodily temperature, regardless of that of the surrounding media, is practically a constant. None the less, the piano teacher is frequently confronted with conditions produced by temperature deviations. The general stiffness of the early morning pupil, the cold, perspiring hands of the
anemic[2] one, are examples of the temperature effects of
poor circulation at the extremities of the body. Since this is essentially a circulatory problem, it will be discussed in module 5. Temperature greatly affects the ability of muscles to contract.
Playing piano in a cold room cannot always be avoided, but an adequate warmup can help you achieve optimal muscle contraction.
[2]
anemia: n. [MdL. Gr. anaimia <
a-, an-, without +
haima, blood]
1.
Med. a condition in which there is a reduction of the number of red blood corpuscles or of the total amount of hemoglobin in the blood stream or of both, resulting in a paleness, generalized weakness, etc.
2. lack of vigor or vitality; lifelessness-
anemicadj. -
anemically adv.