OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the OCR GCSE Biology Exam with our comprehensive study resources. Practice with quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations to enhance your understanding. Ace your exam and secure your academic success!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is the effect of blood vessels constricting during vasoconstriction?

Increased energy transfer to the surroundings
Decreased body temperature
Reduced blood flow near the surface of the skin
Enhanced nutrient absorption

The correct answer is: Reduced blood flow near the surface of the skin

Vasoconstriction involves the narrowing of blood vessels, which has a crucial role in regulating body temperature and blood flow. When blood vessels constrict, particularly those near the surface of the skin, the blood flow to these areas is reduced. This mechanism helps to preserve heat in the body by minimizing the amount of blood that reaches the skin's surface, where heat can be lost to the environment. This process is particularly important in cold conditions, as it allows the body to maintain a stable internal temperature despite external temperature drops. By directing blood flow away from the surface, the core body temperature is better protected. Hence, the correct response appropriately identifies the physiological effect of vasoconstriction.