Question

Elevated temperatures in the adult human patient is due to

• A. Excessive heat production due to restlessness.
• B. Failure of heat loss due to hypohidrotic states.
• C. Sympathetic excitation of sweat production.
• D. Irregularity of central thermal control mechanisms.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Irregularity of central thermal control mechanisms.

If the body temperature is above 37.2°C and is associated with sweating, hyperventilation and vasodilation in the skin, it can be termed as fever. In humans, temperature homeostasis is controlled by the thermoregulatory center in the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a group of neurons, at the base of the brain, and forms the primary link between the nervous system and the endocrine system. The thermoregulatory center sends impulses to several different effectors to adjust body temperature. Therefore, any irregularity of central thermal control mechanisms can lead to elevated temperatures in the adult human patient. Therefore, the correct answer is option D.