Body temperature

Body temperature is the internal temperature of the body.

Human beings are warm blooded

Whatever the external temperature, body temperature is constant in human beings (around 37°C, although it can vary slightly from 36.1 °C to 37.8°C depending on the time of the day. By definition, we are therefore warm-blooded organisms.

Regulation of body temperature

Body temperature is controlled by the hypothalamus, which acts to maintain a constant temperature. If it is too hot, the body transpires and heat is removed. If it is too cold, shivering (which involves muscle contractions) produces heat.