Kehonlämpötilana

Kehonlämpötilana, or body temperature, refers to the degree of heat in a living being. For humans, the commonly accepted average is 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit), although this can fluctuate slightly throughout the day and between individuals. Maintaining a stable internal body temperature, known as thermoregulation, is crucial for optimal physiological function.

The hypothalamus, a region in the brain, plays a key role in regulating body temperature by acting as a thermostat. When the body temperature deviates from the set point, the hypothalamus triggers responses to either generate or dissipate heat. Mechanisms for heat generation include shivering and increased metabolic rate, while heat dissipation occurs through sweating and vasodilation (widening of blood vessels).

Body temperature can be influenced by various factors, including physical activity, hormonal changes, illness, and environmental conditions. Fever, an elevated body temperature, is often a sign of infection or inflammation as the body fights off pathogens. Conversely, hypothermia, a dangerously low body temperature, can result from prolonged exposure to cold. Monitoring body temperature is a common practice in healthcare to assess a person's health status.