Body temperature
Body Temperature
Body temperature is a measure of the body's ability to generate and get rid of heat. The body is very good at keeping its temperature within a safe range, even when temperatures outside the body change a lot.
Pronunciation
Bod·y tem·per·a·ture
Etymology
The term "body temperature" comes from the Old English bodig (body) and Latin temperatura (temperature), which means a measure of heat.
Normal Body Temperature
A normal body temperature for humans is typically around 98.6°F (37°C). However, this can vary slightly depending on the individual, the time of day, and the weather.
Regulation of Body Temperature
The body regulates its temperature through a process called thermoregulation. This involves the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that acts as the body's thermostat. The hypothalamus receives signals from thermoreceptors throughout the body, which detect changes in temperature.
Abnormal Body Temperature
When the body's temperature is too high, this is known as hyperthermia. This can be caused by illness, such as a fever, or by environmental factors, such as heat stroke. When the body's temperature is too low, this is known as hypothermia. This can be caused by exposure to cold temperatures or by certain medical conditions.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Body temperature
- Wikipedia's article - Body temperature
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