Tell me more ×
Biology Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for biology researchers, academics, and students. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 2 down vote favorite
1

What is the physical mechanism that causes temperature to rise during a fever? I know that somehow the hypothalamus "orders" to increase the standard body temperature regulation, and this should stimulate mitochondria to produce more ATP. Is that right?

Is this the only heating physical mechanism (through increasing production of ATP) that acts during a fever?

share|improve this question
1  
From Wikipedia: "The [hypothalamus] ultimately orchestrates heat effector mechanisms via the autonomic nervous system. These may be: (1) Increased heat production by increased muscle tone, shivering and hormones like epinephrine; (2) Prevention of heat loss, such as vasoconstriction. In infants, the autonomic nervous system may also activate brown adipose tissue to produce heat (non-exercise-associated thermogenesis, also known as non-shivering thermogenesis). Increased heart rate and vasoconstriction contribute to increased blood pressure in fever." – Alan Boyd Nov 5 '12 at 20:47

Know someone who can answer? Share a link to this question via email, Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.