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What is the normal temperature of the human body?
(A) $40^\circ F$
(B) $40^\circ C$
(C) $37^\circ C$
(D) $37^\circ F$

Answer
VerifiedVerified
510.3k+ views
Hint:The average body temperature of humans is known as euthermia or normothermia. The body temperature of a person can vary according to the time of the day, health status, sex and emotions. The average body temperature in humans is regulated by thermoregulation.

Complete step by step answer:
The temperature of the human body is different in different conditions but a point is set at which the body attempts to maintain the temperature. Maintenance of temperature by the human body is very necessary because the enzymes required for various reactions inside the body works best at their optimum temperature. The optimum temperature for the enzymes found inside the human body is \[37^\circ {\text{ }}Celsius\]. Therefore, the normal temperature of the human body is also \[37^\circ {\text{ }}Celsius\] .
The body temperature is measured with the help of a thermometer. Measuring of temperature is also the first step of many clinical examinations. The common sites for the measurement of body temperature are forehead, ear, arm, rectum and mouth. When the temperature is raised from the set point it is termed as fever. Fever can be caused due to infections. The rise in body temperature during fever is actually for the purpose of killing the infectious agent that has entered the body. The normal range of human body temperature is \[36.5{\text{ }}-{\text{ }}37.5^\circ {\text{ }}C\] .
Hence, the correct option is C.

Additional information:
The Highest and the lowest temperatures known to have been survived by the human body is \[46.5^\circ C\] and \[13.7^\circ C\] respectively, which is very severe. Thermoregulation or Temperature control is a part of a homeostasis that helps in keeping the organism at optimum operating temperature, as temperature affects the rate of chemical reactions.

Note:
The temperature of a person does not always remain the same, it can vary from \[0.5{\text{ }}-{\text{ }}1^\circ C\] on alternate days. It can also vary throughout the day. So, the highest and lowest temperature of one day would not be the same for a person. Other units for the measurement of body temperature are \[^\circ F\]. \[37^\circ C\] is equal to \[98.6^\circ F\] .