Discover the meaning of body temperature and why it is crucial to maintain good health in this informative article.

The temperature of the human body, also known as central temperature, refers to the average temperature of the internal body environment. Indicates the balance between production and loss of heat inside the body. Various factors influence body temperature, such as age, time of day, physical activity and hormonal changes. Understanding the body temperature is crucial, since it serves as an essential indicator of the health and the general functioning of an individual.

Central temperature: the central temperature refers to the temperature of the organs and internal tissues of the body, such as the brain, the heart and the liver. The normal central temperature of a healthy adult usually is around 37 ° C (98. 6 ° F).

The measurement of body temperature is usually done with a thermometer, which can be placed in different areas of the body. The usual places to measure body temperature are the mouth (oral path), the armpit (axillary path) and the rectal (rectal path). The oral route is the most used method to measure body temperature in adults, while the rectal pathway is usually used in infants and young children. Each method has its advantages and limitations, and it is important to follow the appropriate techniques for precise measurement.

1. Oral (oral) temperature: This method consists of placing a thermometer under the tongue and closing the mouth for a few minutes until the reading stabilizes. It is a comfortable and no n-invasive method, but it can be affected by factors such as cold or hot drinks, smoking or breathing through the mouth.
2. Axillary temperature: This method consists of placing a thermometer in the armpit and keeping the arm pressed against the body for a few minutes. It is less accurate that oral or rectal measurements may require a longer measurement time.

To maintain the optimal temperature of the body, the thermoregulator system plays a vital role in the balance between production and heat loss. This system includes mechanisms such as sweating, chills, constriction and dilation of blood vessels. External factors, such as ambient temperature and clothing, can also influence body temperature. Any significant deviation of the normal body temperature range can indicate an underlying condition or disease, which requires medical care.

Understanding Body Temperature: An Overview

One of the main factors that influence body temperature is the hypothalamus, a region of the brain responsible for maintaining homeostasis. The hypothalamus acts as the body’s thermostat, continually monitoring and adjusting core temperature based on various internal and external factors. It receives information from temperature receptors located throughout the body and triggers physiological responses to maintain stability.

Key points:

• Body temperature is the measure of the body’s internal heat.
• The hypothalamus acts as the body’s thermostat, maintaining temperature homeostasis.
• Internal and external factors influence the regulation of body temperature.

Knowing body temperature is essential to diagnose and control many diseases. Variations in body temperature can indicate underlying health problems, such as infections, inflammation or hormonal imbalances. A high body temperature, known as fever, is usually a sign of the body’s natural response to fight infections or other illnesses.

Conversely, a low body temperature, called hypothermia, can be an indicator of various conditions, such as exposure to extreme cold, certain medications, or even certain metabolic disorders. Regular monitoring of body temperature is crucial to assess a person’s overall health status and enable timely medical interventions.

Did you know?

• Normal body temperature for adults is usually between 36. 5°C and 37. 5°C (97. 7°F and 99. 5°F).
• Body temperature can vary depending on the time of day, physical activity and other factors.
• Oral, rectal and axillary measurements are usually used to measure body temperature.

The Definition and Significance of Body Temperature

The normal body temperature of a healthy person can vary slightly depending on factors such as age, time of day, and physical activity. The average body temperature is normally considered to be around 37°C (98. 6°F), although variations within the range of 36. 1°C to 37. 2°C (97°F to 99°F) continue. considered normal. It is important to note that body temperature can also fluctuate due to external factors such as environmental temperature, medications, and hormonal changes.

How is Body Temperature Measured?

Body temperature can be measured using different methods, each with its own advantages and limitations. The most common method is the use of a thermometer, which can be placed in different places depending on the desired precision. The two main methods of temperature measurement are oral and axillary measurement.

• Oral measurement: This method involves placing a thermometer under your tongue and keeping your mouth closed for a few minutes to obtain an accurate reading. It is a comfortable and non-invasive method widely used in both clinical and domestic settings.
• Axillary measurement: In this method, the thermometer is placed under the armpit and held in place until a stable reading is obtained. Axillary measurements are commonly used in infants, young children, and people who cannot use the oral method effectively.

It is important to follow proper technique and guidelines when measuring body temperature to ensure accurate results. Factors such as the quality of the thermometer and its correct placement can greatly affect the accuracy of the measurement.

The Role of Thermoregulation in Maintaining Body Temperature

One of the key components of thermoregulation is the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that acts as the body’s thermostat. The hypothalamus detects changes in body temperature and initiates appropriate responses to cool or warm the body. When the hypothalamus detects that the body temperature is too high, it triggers physiological responses to promote heat loss, such as the dilation of blood vessels near the surface of the skin and the activation of sweat glands to produce sweat. On the other hand, when body temperature drops below the optimal range, the hypothalamus activates mechanisms that conserve heat and increase body temperature, such as constriction of blood vessels and involuntary contraction of muscles (shivering).

• Thermoregulation is essential to maintain the stability and efficiency of the body’s cellular processes.
• The hypothalamus plays a fundamental role in detecting and regulating changes in body temperature.
• Heat loss mechanisms, such as sweating and vasodilation, are triggered when body temperature is too high.

1. Heat conservation mechanisms, such as vasoconstriction and shivering, are activated when body temperature drops below the optimal range.
2. Thermoregulation is essential for the body to adapt to different environmental conditions and maintain homeostasis.

Thermoregulation is a vital process that ensures that the body’s core temperature is maintained within a narrow range, allowing for optimal functioning of cellular processes and maintenance of overall homeostasis.

Normal Body Temperature: What is Considered “Normal” and Why?

Traditionally, it has been considered that a body temperature of 37 ° C (98. 6 ° F) is the normal body temperature standard in adults. However, recent studies have shown that average body temperature can vary slightly from one person to another and can be influenced by factors such as age, activity level, time of day and even the menstrual cycle in women. Consequently, the definition of what is considered a “normal” body temperature has evolved over time.

According to the American Medical Association (AMA), the normal body temperature interval in adults can range between 36. 1 ° C (97 ° F) and 37. 2 ° C (99 ° F). Temperature variations within this interval can be influenced by several factors, such as the time the measurement and method used. It is important to keep in mind that body temperature can fluctuate throughout the day, with typically lower temperatures in the morning and higher at the end of the afternoon or at night.

Fever: Causes, Symptoms, and Implications on Body Temperature

Fever definition: fever is a temporary increase in body temperature, often as a result of body response to an infection or disease. It is a natural defense mechanism that helps the body fight pathogens more effectively. While lo w-grade fevers (between 38 ° C and 39 ° C) are generally harmless and can be beneficial, hig h-grade fevers (above 39 ° C) may be more worrisome and require medical care.

Note: Fever should not be considered a disease in itself, but a symptom or indication of an underlying condition.

Causes

Fever can be caused by a wide range of factors, the most common being an infection. Infections caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi can trigger that the immune system raises body temperature. Other possible causes of fever are

• Inflammatory conditions: diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or intestinal inflammatory disease can cause persistent low fevers.
• Medications: Some medications, such as antibiotics or antihistamines, can cause fever as a side effect.
• Heat stroke: prolonged exposure to high temperatures or extreme physical effort can cause high body temperature.

Symptoms

The symptoms experienced during fever can vary depending on the underlying cause and the general state of health of the person. The most common symptoms associated with fever are

1. High body temperature: The most notable symptom of fever is an increase in body temperature above normal range.
2. Chills and sweating: people with fever usually experience chills and can also sweat excessively.
3. Headache and muscle aches: fever can be accompanied by headaches, body pain and rigidity or muscle pain.
4. Weakness and fatigue: fever can cause a general sensation of weakness and fatigue, which entails a decrease in energy levels.

Hypothermia: When Body Temperature Drops Below Normal

Hypothermia symptoms:

1. Chills: Chills are the natural response of the body to low temperatures in an effort to generate heat. However, as hypothermia progresses, chills can cease or weaken.
2. Difficulty speaking: As the body temperature descends, the central nervous system is affected, which causes difficulties to speak clearly and articulate words.
3. Confusion: hypothermia can cause mental confusion, disorientation and deterioration of the ability to make decisions.

Hypothermia is defined as a body temperature below 35 ° C (95 ° F). It is classified into three stages according to its gravity: mild, moderate and serious. Mild hypothermia is characterized by a body temperature between 32-35 ° C (90-95 ° F), moderate hypothermia between 28-32 ° C (82-90 ° F) and severe hypothermia below 28 ° C (82 ° F).

Hypothermia risk factors include advanced age, certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and diabetes, alcohol or drug use, and inadequate clothing or coat in cold environments.

Hyperthermia: When Body Temperature Rises Dangerously High

There are several causes of hyperthermia, including environmental factors such as exposure to extreme heat or prolonged physical effort in hot time. The heat stroke, a serious form of hyperthermia, is usually triggered by these factors and can endanger life if it is not urgently treated. Other causes of hyperthermia can be certain medications, such as antipsychotics or drugs that affect the body’s ability to sweat, as well as certain medical conditions such as thyroid disorders or infections.

The symptoms of hyperthermia can vary depending on their gravity, but some common signs to which they have to be attentive are

1. Elevated body temperature, often greater than 40 ° C (104 ° F)
2. Profuse sweating or dry and hot skin
3. Headache and dizziness
4. Nausea and vomiting
5. Accelerated heart and breathing beats
6. Cramps or muscle weakness

In severe cases of hyperthermia, people may experience confusion, seizures and even loss of knowledge. Immediate medical care is crucial when hyperthermia is suspected, since it can progress quickly and cause serious complications, such as organic damage and even death.

It is important to differentiate fever hyperthermia. Fever is usually a normal immune response to an infection or inflammation, and body temperature does not usually exceed 38. 3 ° C (101 ° F) in most cases. Hyperthermia, on the other hand, implies an excessive increase in body temperature that requires immediate medical attention.

Measuring Body Temperature: Methods and Accuracy Comparison

The most used method to measure body temperature is oral, in which a thermometer is placed under the tongue. This method is comfortable and no n-invasive, so it is suitable for all age groups. However, factors such as eating, drinking or smoking can affect the precision of oral temperature readings. Another widely used method is the axillary, in which the thermometer is placed in the armpit. This method is less invasive and is usually preferred for babies and young children. However, axillary temperature readings tend to be lower than oral or rectal readings.

• Rectal method: This method provides the most accurate measurement of body temperature, as it reflects the central temperature of the body. A thermometer is gently introduced in the rectum and left for a brief period of time to obtain reading. However, this method is invasive and may not be adequate for all people.
• Typanic method: In this method an infrared thermometer is used to measure the temperature inside the auditory duct. It is a quick and comfortable way to measure body temperature, especially in children. However, the accumulation of earwax or the incorrect placement of the thermometer can affect the accuracy of tympanic temperature readings.
• Forehead method: This method implies the use of a temporal artery thermometer, which measures the temperature of the temporal artery on the forehead. It is not invasive and provides rapid results. However, external factors such as sweating or exposure to cold can affect the precision of temperature readings on the forehead.

Accuracy Comparison of Body Temperature Measurement Methods:

Method	Advantages	Limitations
Orally	Comfortable	It is affected by food, drink or tobacco
Axillary	No n-invasive	Readings are usually lower
Rectal	More precise	Invasive
Typanic	Fast and comfortable	Affected by earwax or incorrect position
Forehead	No n-invasive and fast	Affected by external factors

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Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont