What happens when the body overheats?

When the body overheats, one of the primary responses to cool down is increased sweating. Sweating plays a crucial role in thermoregulation, which is the body's ability to maintain its internal temperature within healthy limits. When sweat evaporates from the surface of the skin, it carries heat away from the body, effectively lowering body temperature. This process is essential, particularly during exercise or in hot environments, to prevent overheating and maintain homeostasis.

In contrast, other options represent responses that occur under different circumstances. For example, vasoconstriction is a process where blood vessels narrow, which generally occurs in response to cold temperatures to conserve heat. The pillars of hair standing up is related to the body's reaction to cold as well, where hair follicles contract to trap air in order to provide insulation. Lastly, shivering is a mechanism the body uses to generate heat when it is cold and is not relevant in the context of overheating.