Question

When an animal is infected with a virus, the body responds by creating conditions that are not favorable for the virus in order to maintain homeostasis. It does this by -

A. increasing sensitivity to sound.

B. raising the core body temperature.

C. creating a sensation of hunger.

D. inhibiting the sense of balance.

Answer 1

The body responds to a viral infection by raising the core body temperature as part of its defense mechanism, which is coordinated by the hypothalamus through the release of pyrogens.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an animal is infected with a virus, the body's response to maintain homeostasis typically includes raising the core body temperature, which is known as a fever. The regulation of body temperature is coordinated by the hypothalamus through various mechanisms like vasodilation, sweating, vasoconstriction, and shivering. During an infection, the immune system releases chemicals known as pyrogens, which reset the hypothalamic thermostat to a higher set point, leading to a fever. This response serves as a defense mechanism by creating conditions unfavorable to viral replication and enhancing the function of immune cells, while potentially directly inhibiting or killing the pathogen.