Heat Transfer and Human Physiology

Radiation

• Emission of heat energy occurs from warm bodies as electromagnetic waves or heat waves.
• Heat waves can travel through space, facilitating heat loss.

Heat Loss in Humans

• Humans lose nearly half of their heat energy through the process of radiation.

Conduction

• Defined as the transfer of heat between objects at different temperatures that are in direct contact.
• Involves the exchange of thermal energy through physical contact.

Sweating

• An active process of evaporative heat loss regulated by the sympathetic nervous system.
• Vital for thermoregulation and maintaining body temperature.

Benefits of Fever

• Raises body temperature, which inhibits many microorganisms.
• Enhances the production of antibodies during elevated temperatures.
• Can slow down the growth of certain tumors, potentially aiding in disease management.