Kehatemperatuur

Kehatemperatuur refers to the measure of the internal heat of a living organism. It is a vital sign, meaning its measurement is a key indicator of an organism's physiological state. In warm-blooded animals, including humans, maintaining a relatively stable internal body temperature is crucial for optimal cellular function and metabolic processes. This stable temperature is known as the body's set point.

The average normal body temperature for humans is often cited as 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius), though this can fluctuate slightly between individuals and throughout the day. Factors such as age, activity level, time of day, and even recent food intake can influence temperature readings.

Thermoregulation is the process by which the body maintains its internal temperature. This involves a complex interplay of physiological mechanisms controlled by the hypothalamus, a region of the brain. When the body temperature deviates from its set point, the hypothalamus triggers responses such as sweating to cool down or shivering to generate heat.

Deviations from the normal temperature range can indicate various health conditions. A temperature higher than the normal range is called fever or pyrexia, often a sign of infection or inflammation. A temperature lower than the normal range is known as hypothermia, which can be caused by prolonged exposure to cold. Monitoring body temperature is a fundamental aspect of healthcare.