Study note

Neonatal responses to cold and brown fat thermogenesis

THE CONTEXT

Cold exposure triggers increased activity and sympathetic responses that help a neonate generate heat.

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The neonate increases physical activity, including crying and body movements, to generate heat.

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Cold stimulates the sympathetic system, causing cutaneous vasoconstriction and heat generation by non-shivering thermogenesis in brown fat.

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Brown fat is located in the axillae, groin, nape of the neck, interscapular region, and perirenal areas.

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Brown fat has a rich vascular supply.

NEETx

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