What is the term for the temperature of the central part of the body, such as the lungs and heart?

The term for the temperature of the central part of the body, such as the lungs and heart, is core temperature. This measurement reflects the temperature of the internal organs, which is crucial for assessing the body’s thermal status and overall physiological functioning. Core temperature is stabilized by metabolic processes and is generally more consistent compared to temperatures taken at the skin surface or in peripheral areas.

Understanding core temperature is important in emergency medical situations, as deviations from normal ranges can indicate underlying health issues, such as hypothermia or hyperthermia, that can seriously affect a patient’s condition. In contrast, surface temperature refers to the temperature of the skin, peripheral temperature indicates the temperature of more distant body parts from the core, and average body temperature is generally a broad assessment that does not specify central versus peripheral measurements.