Body Temperature Control and Its Disorders

In Chap. 110 we discussed the basic mechanisms of thermoregulation, dwelling on the principles governing heat production and dissipation. Despite large variations in heat production by the individual and in the thermal conditions of the environment, homeostasis must preserve core body temperature at around 37°C. This requires complex control mechanisms, which will be discussed in this chapter. In addition, and because of their clinical importance, we shall discuss the pathophysiological aspects of thermoregulation, with specific emphasis on fever and hypo- and hyperthermia.