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Related Concept Videos

Thermosensation01:43

Thermosensation

Peripheral thermosensation is the perception of external temperature. A change in temperature (on the surface of the skin and other tissues) is detected by a family of temperature-sensitive ion channels called Transient Receptor Potential, or TRP, receptors. These receptors are located on free nerve endings. Those detecting cold temperatures are closer to the surface of the skin than the nerve endings detecting warmth. These thermoTRP channels, while temperature selective, have relatively...
Body Temperature01:25

Body Temperature

The body's temperature, measured in degrees, is determined by the balance between heat production and dissipation to the surrounding environment. For instance, if exercising vigorously, the body will produce more heat, causing sweat and dissipating that heat. Despite extreme environmental conditions and physical exertion, the human temperature-control system maintains a constant core body temperature (the temperature of deep tissues, which are the tissues located beneath the skin and other...
Body Temperature01:07

Body Temperature

Body temperature reflects the equilibrium between heat production and heat loss within the body. Most heat is generated by metabolically active tissues, particularly the liver, heart, brain, kidneys, and endocrine organs. At rest, skeletal muscles contribute 20–30% of total heat production, but during vigorous exercise, this can increase up to 30–40 times.
The average body temperature is approximately 37°C (98.6°F) and typically ranges from 36.1–37.2°C (97–99°F), remaining relatively stable...
Homeostatic Imbalances in Body Temperature01:19

Homeostatic Imbalances in Body Temperature

Hyperthermia occurs when the body's temperature becomes unusually high, often due to heat exposure, intense physical activity, or certain illnesses. This condition can create a dangerous cycle where elevated body temperature increases the metabolic rate, generating more heat and potentially leading to organ failure and brain damage. A severe form of hyperthermia, called heat stroke, can raise body temperature to life-threatening levels. Fever, on the other hand, is a controlled form of...
Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery01:19

Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery

Here is a stepwise guide to assessing the body temperature at the temporal artery using a temporal artery thermometer
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.  
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane01:14

Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane

Assessing tympanic membrane temperature involves using a tympanic membrane thermometer (TMT). Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

A Computational Modeling Approach to Investigate the Influence of Hyperthermia on the Tumor Microenvironment
10:23

A Computational Modeling Approach to Investigate the Influence of Hyperthermia on the Tumor Microenvironment

Published on: December 1, 2023

NERVE AS MODEL TEMPERATURE END ORGAN.

C G Bernhard1, R Granit

  • 1Nobel Institute for Neurophysiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

The Journal of General Physiology
|October 30, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Local cooling or heating of mammalian nerves creates electrical potentials, triggering nerve discharges. This temperature-induced electrical activity in nerves may serve as a fundamental mechanism for temperature sensation.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 19, 2026

A Computational Modeling Approach to Investigate the Influence of Hyperthermia on the Tumor Microenvironment
10:23

A Computational Modeling Approach to Investigate the Influence of Hyperthermia on the Tumor Microenvironment

Published on: December 1, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Physiology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Mammalian nerve function involves complex electrical signaling.
  • The role of temperature in initiating nerve activity was not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the electrical potentials generated by local temperature changes in mammalian nerves.
  • To explore the relationship between temperature potentials and nerve discharge.
  • To propose a model for temperature sensing in nerve end organs.

Main Methods:

  • Local cooling and heating of mammalian nerve segments.
  • Measurement of local temperature potentials.
  • Observation of nerve discharge patterns in response to thermal stimuli.

Main Results:

  • Local cooling induced an electronegative potential in the cooled nerve region.
  • Local heating also induced an electronegative potential in the heated nerve region.
  • Both cooling and heating initiated nerve discharges.

Conclusions:

  • Local temperature changes generate electrical potentials ('generator potentials') in nerves.
  • These temperature-induced potentials are directly linked to nerve discharge.
  • The described mechanism serves as a potential prototype for biological temperature end organs.