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Related Concept Videos

Body Temperature01:25

Body Temperature

3.8K
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...
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Body Temperature01:07

Body Temperature

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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...
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Hypodermis01:02

Hypodermis

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The hypodermis (the subcutaneous layer or superficial fascia) is present directly below the dermis. It connects the skin to the underlying fascia (fibrous tissue) of the bones and muscles. It is not strictly a part of the skin, although the border between the hypodermis and dermis can be difficult to distinguish. The hypodermis consists of well-vascularized, loose, areolar connective tissue and adipose tissue, which functions as a mode of fat storage and provides insulation and cushioning for...
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Thermoregulation01:26

Thermoregulation

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The human body has a sophisticated thermoregulation system that employs negative feedback mechanisms to maintain an optimal core temperature. When the core temperature drops, peripheral and central thermoreceptors send signals to the hypothalamus, activating the heat-promoting center. This center triggers several responses aimed at increasing the core temperature. First, vasoconstriction reduces the flow of warm blood from internal organs to the skin so that the heat is not lost from the skin,...
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Metabolic Rate01:25

Metabolic Rate

1.0K
The human body is a powerhouse of energy, with every cell performing numerous functions that require energy. This energy production and consumption is measured by the metabolic rate, which quantifies the total heat generated by all the body's chemical reactions and mechanical work. This measurement helps to determine the rate of kilocalorie (kcal) consumption needed to fuel all ongoing activities.
The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) measures the energy expended at rest.
Several factors influence...
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Mechanisms of Heat Transfer01:14

Mechanisms of Heat Transfer

1.5K
Heat transfer between the human body and its environment occurs through four main mechanisms: conduction, convection, radiation, and evaporation.
Conduction, accounting for approximately 3% of body heat loss at rest, is the process of exchanging heat between molecules of two materials in direct contact. This can result in both heat loss and gain. For instance, when the body is submerged in water, which conducts heat 20 times more effectively than air, it can either lose or gain significant...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 16, 2025

Using a Combination of Indirect Calorimetry, Infrared Thermography, and Blood Glucose Levels to Measure Brown Adipose Tissue Thermogenesis in Humans
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Using a Combination of Indirect Calorimetry, Infrared Thermography, and Blood Glucose Levels to Measure Brown Adipose Tissue Thermogenesis in Humans

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Yes, even human brown fat is on fire!

Barbara Cannon1, Jan Nedergaard

  • 1The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden. barbara.cannon@wgi.su.se

The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|January 25, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Adult humans have metabolically active brown fat that combusts calories when exposed to cold. This finding suggests brown fat

Area of Science:

  • Metabolic research
  • Human physiology

Background:

  • Brown adipose tissue (BAT) presence in adult humans is established.
  • The metabolic activity and thermogenic function of human BAT remain under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if brown fat in adult humans is metabolically active.
  • To investigate if human brown fat combusts fat to release heat.

Main Methods:

  • Adult humans were exposed to cold conditions.
  • Metabolic activity in brown fat was assessed.

Main Results:

  • Brown fat metabolism significantly increases in adult humans upon cold exposure.
  • This indicates that human brown fat is metabolically active and thermogenic.

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Human Brown Adipose Tissue Depots Automatically Segmented by Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography and Registered Magnetic Resonance Images
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Using a Combination of Indirect Calorimetry, Infrared Thermography, and Blood Glucose Levels to Measure Brown Adipose Tissue Thermogenesis in Humans
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Differentiation and Imaging of Brown Adipocytes from the Stromal Vascular Fraction of Interscapular Adipose Tissue from Newborn Mice
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Conclusions:

  • Cold-induced activation of brown fat demonstrates its metabolic function in humans.
  • Brown fat's role in calorie combustion may influence obesity risk, potentially modulated by food-related stimuli.