Question

If high temperature increases diffusion,what does this mean for our bodies, like our brains, hearts, liver or whatever else? What happens when our cells can diffuse more? What else can fever do to the body?

Answer 1

Principles of diffusion apply to all bilogical membranes, diffusion of chemicals and gases in and out of the cells is an essential activity in human organs, cells require oxygen gas to make energy, and at the same time remove carbon di oxide which can be toxic, this movewment of gases takes place in the lungs by the process of diffusion. The kidneys filter out salts and waste productts from the blood stream in the form of urine by the process of diffusion, calcium ions which are important for the skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle contraction, the absorption of calcium from the small intestine is an example of diffusion, skin uses process of diffusion to regulate body temperature.

At higher temperature the rate of diffusion increases, generally changes in temperature do not significantly affect diffusion rates in humans, because we maintain a relatively constant body temperature by the process of homeostasis, but in case of fever the body temperature gets too high, the body needs to release heat, heat leaves the body through the process of diffusion, in fever body starts sweating, as the water evaporates from the skin it takes heat along with it , thereby cooling the body. higher the temperature, the more the kinetic energy of the particles, so they will move and mix more quickly, which can cause loss of heat.

During fever the blood and urine volume becomes reduced as a result of loss of water through increased perspiration, body proteins are rapidly broken down, leading to increased excretion of nitrogenous products in urine, the affected person may feel the chill, or even have shaking chill, increased heart rate, which is normal physiological response to fever, it can cause seizures, if the fever is above 107.6 F it can cause brain damage.