We often talk about core body temperature, but what exactly is it? Core body temperature is the measurement of the internal temperature of the body. Usually, we can measure it in the ear, mouth, armpit, rectum, and forehead.
To understand how core body temperature is self-regulated and how it can be measured nowadays with innovative technologies, such as non-continuous thermometers, invasive thermometers, and wearable core body temperature sensors. Here are some basic facts about it.
What is thermoregulation in body temperature
The concept of thermoregulation is essential for understanding how our bodies regulate temperature. For the human body, thermoregulation is vital because it allows the body to maintain a consistent core internal temperature. The main center of thermoregulation is the hypothalamus, a part of the brain which detects the core body temperature and regulates it automatically.
The study of thermoregulation in humans has revealed that changes in the rate of heat loss, skin blood flow, and sweating are required to maintain an average body temperature. As we mentioned, the hypothalamus controls the thermoregulation mechanism. While this region is considered the primary integration center, it is not entirely understood, as some human studies suggest that other factors may influence core body temperature. These factors can have significant consequences on temperature regulation.
Some factors that influence core body temperature
The term “core body temperature” refers to the internal organ temperature of an individual. The body uses a variety of mechanisms to maintain the temperature in the core to allow metabolic reactions to occur at optimal conditions. Age is the most significant “no external” factor that modifies a person’s core body temperature. Children tend to have high metabolic rates, converting food into energy faster than adults, and hence have higher body temperatures.
This body measure can also be affected by factors, such as temperature changes in the environment, exercise, or during times of stress or danger. Still, the body will attempt to regulate its temperature to prevent severe illness or injury. Typically, the body temperature stays around 98.2 degrees Fahrenheit (ca. 37 °C) throughout the day.
Why it is so important to measure core body temperature
It is known that there is an appreciable correlation between body temperature and health. Usually, the body in a day fluctuates its temperatures depending on, as we said, different factors like age, time of the day, external temperature, and more. Regarding health, fever increases body temperature, mainly due to illness or infection, but it can also be due to mental illness or stress. With core body sensors, humans can detect health problems or, for example, avoid exertional heat stroke (hyperthermia) when the body core body temperature is≥ 105 °F (ca. 41 °C).
Regarding sports and exercise, the body increases the blood and organs temperature during these activities. That is why high-quality athletes can learn about heat training, adaptation, and acclimation by monitoring their core body temperature, consequently improving their performance in competitions. Moreover, with the data of a wearable core body temperature, athletes can make strategies for cooling approaches.
A Conclusion About Core Body Temperature and the Measure of It
In conclusion, we can see that the body needs to self-regulate its core body temperature to be healthy, and it does it mainly with the hypothalamus. The area of the brain that produces hormones that control body temperature, heart rate, hunger, and mood.
When the body rarely increases or decreases its temperature, it can be related to health. However, humans can use technology to control, predict and measure the body temperature, and learn how the body will attempt. This information can help people in their daily routine, but more athletes to detect patterns in their core body temperature. Therefore, we can continue learning about core body temperature sensors‘ from athletes’ experiences and opinions.
