Both newborn infants and aged individuals have very little subcutaneous tissue. How does this affect their sensitivity to cold environmental temperature?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of subcutaneous tissue: Subcutaneous tissue, also known as the hypodermis, is a layer of fat and connective tissue beneath the skin. It acts as insulation, helping to retain body heat and protect against cold temperatures.
2. Recognize the physiological impact of reduced subcutaneous tissue: Without sufficient subcutaneous fat, the body loses heat more rapidly to the environment, making it harder to maintain a stable internal temperature (homeostasis).
3. Relate this to newborns and aged individuals: Both groups have reduced subcutaneous tissue. Newborns are still developing their fat stores, while aged individuals often lose subcutaneous fat due to aging-related changes in metabolism and tissue structure.
4. Explain the increased sensitivity to cold: Because of the lack of insulation, both newborns and aged individuals are more prone to heat loss, making them feel colder in low environmental temperatures and increasing their risk of hypothermia.
5. Discuss compensatory mechanisms: To counteract this sensitivity, newborns rely on non-shivering thermogenesis (burning brown fat for heat), while aged individuals may have a reduced ability to generate heat due to decreased metabolic activity and impaired thermoregulatory responses.

Key Concepts

Subcutaneous Tissue

Subcutaneous tissue, or hypodermis, is the layer of fat and connective tissue located beneath the skin. It plays a crucial role in insulation, energy storage, and cushioning. In both newborns and the elderly, reduced subcutaneous tissue can lead to decreased insulation, making them more susceptible to heat loss in cold environments.

Thermoregulation

Thermoregulation is the process by which the body maintains its core internal temperature. It involves physiological and behavioral responses to environmental changes. Infants and older adults often have impaired thermoregulation, which can hinder their ability to generate heat or respond effectively to cold, increasing their risk of hypothermia.

Physiological Responses to Cold

Physiological responses to cold include shivering, vasoconstriction, and increased metabolic rate to generate heat. Newborns and elderly individuals may have diminished shivering response and slower metabolic rates, which can compromise their ability to maintain body temperature in cold conditions, leading to heightened sensitivity to cold.