Dictionary > Sensible perspiration

Sensible perspiration

Definition
noun
A form of perspiration in which the body is able to sense the watery fluid as moist on the skin
Supplement
Perspiration enables primates and humans a cooling mechanism to regulate body temperature. When the body releases sweat via the skin pores the body cools down as the water evaporates from the skin. External cues such as high ambient temperature and high humidity cause the body to secrete sweat. There are instances that the sweat is so profuse that the body is able to sense it as moisture on the skin. This is called sensible perspiration. This is to distinguish it from the other type of perspiration (i.e. insensible perspiration) in which the body is not able to sense it is perspiring. The latter escapes awareness because the fluid released is not enough to be detected as a moist on skin. It evaporates quickly. In contrast, sweat released from the body is sensed by the body as moist or water droplets on the skin surface. The amount is adequate enough not to evaporate quickly and therefore get noticed. Apart from the loss of water, there is also solute loss in sensible perspiration.1
Synonym(s):

  • sensible water loss

Compare:

See also:

Reference(s):

1 Kerry Brandis. Fluid Physiology: Sweat. https://www.anaesthesiamcq.com/FluidBook/fl2_1.php


You will also like...

Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes
Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes

Learn about the general structure of a eukaryotic gene, the transcription factors, and post-transcriptional regulation....

Buttress roots
Roots

This study guide tackles plant roots in greater detail. It delves into the development of plant roots, the root structur..

Pikas are an indicator species for climate change
Indicator Species and Endangered Species

Certain species are capable of expressing characteristics indicative of the state of the ecosystem they occupy. They are..

Biological Cell Defense
Biological Cell Defense

Organisms employ different strategies to boost its defenses against antigens. Humans have an immune system to combat pat..

Human Neurology
Human Neurology

Human Neurology deals essentially with the nervous system of humans. It also features the various theories put forward b..

Control of body movement
Control of Body Movement

Some of the body movements can be controlled at will, others cannot. The body has a motor program, which is the pattern ..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics