Question

In homeotherms the brain centre which regulate body temperature is located in
A. Cerebrum
B. Cerebellum
C. Medulla oblongata
D. Hypothalamus

Answer 1

The word ‘Homeotherms’ refers to the capability of an organism to maintain its body temperature at a constant level in response to its environment with the help of its metabolic activity. It is a physiological mechanism of the body which deals with body temperature against the external environment.

Complete answer:
As we already know that temperature plays an important role in the lives of both homeotherms and poikilotherms. Homeotherms are the organisms that maintain their internal body temperature at a constant level in response to external environments at a narrow range, whereas poikilotherms are the organisms that vary their internal body temperatures in response to external environments within a wide range of temperatures. This capability of homeotherms of maintaining their body temperature is controlled by their brain in the preoptic area of hypothalamus. This centre receives and integrates central, environmental and peripheral signals and eventually maintains a constant body temperature by controlling hormonal and autonomic production and dissipation of heat. The region of preoptic area (POA) has temperature sensitive neurons and these are the key elements which are responsible for the homeostasis.

Hence, the correct option for the above mentioned question is (D) Hypothalamus.

Note:
Hypothalamus is a small portion of the brain on its location at the base of the brain and near the pituitary gland below the thalamus that has number of small nuclei which posses number of functions though it is small still it has many important functions to perform as mentioned above including hunger, thirst, fatigue, sleep and many more.