Through which mechanism is the newborn able to generate heat in a cool delivery room?

Question

A) Shivering
B) Nonshivering thermogenesis
C) Voluntary skeletal muscle activity
D) Vasoconstriction

Answer 1

B) Nonshivering thermogenesis

Explanation: A) Because of musculoskeletal and neurologic immaturity, the newborn is not yet equipped to generate heat by movement or shivering.
B) Generation of heat from brown adipose tissue occurs from effects of uncoupling protein 1 in the mitochondria, resulting in the release of energy in the form of heat. Infants have large deposits of brown adipose tissue and depend on nonshivering thermogenesis by increased fat oxidation from brown adipose tissue, which at room temperature has a metabolic cost of about 150 kcal/min.
C) Because of musculoskeletal and neurologic immaturity, the newborn is not yet equipped to generate heat by movement or shivering.
D) The newborn has an immature thermoregulation system. Therefore, for neonates, the responsibilities for survival and thermal balance rest with caregivers to provide warmth, ensure oxygenation for infant breathing, and support heat conservation.