The degree of hotness of a body or substance. In the human body, the temperature must be maintained at around 37°C for optimum functioning. Body temperature is maintained by the hypothalamus, which monitors blood temperature and activates mechanisms to compensate for changes. When body temperature falls, shivering creates heat by muscle activity, and constriction of blood vessels in the skin minimizes heat loss. When the body temperature rises, sweating results in cooling, and dilation of blood vessels in the skin increases heat loss.
Temperature |
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