- The following statements are made regarding the characteristic features of body temperature in humans:
A. The core body temperature varies least with the changes of environmental temperature.
B. During severe muscular exercise the rectal temperature may rise up to 400C.
C. The oral temperature is relatively higher than the rectal temperature.
D. The core body temperature is highest at 6:00 AM and lowest in the evening in humans who sleep at night and remain awake during day time.
E. The temperature of scrotum is regulated at 37OC.
F. In women, a rise of basal body temperature occurs immediately after ovulation.
Which one of the following options represents the INCORRECT combination of the statements?
(1) A, B, C (2) B, C, D
(3) C, D, E (4) D, E, F
Key Characteristics of Human Body Temperature and Common Misconceptions
Human body temperature is tightly regulated within a narrow range to ensure optimal physiological functions. Several measurements reflect this temperature, such as core, rectal, oral, and peripheral temperatures. However, some commonly held statements about body temperature characteristics are inaccurate or misunderstood.
Evaluating the Statements
-
A. The core body temperature varies least with changes in environmental temperature:
True. Homeostasis maintains core temperature around 37°C despite significant fluctuations in external temperatures. -
B. During severe muscular exercise, rectal temperature may rise up to 40°C:
True. Intense physical activity can raise internal temperature as high as 40°C temporarily. -
C. The oral temperature is relatively higher than the rectal temperature:
False. Rectal temperature usually measures higher than oral temperature, as it reflects core body heat more accurately. -
D. The core body temperature is highest at 6:00 AM and lowest in the evening in humans who sleep at night and are awake during the day:
False. Typically, core body temperature is lowest in the early morning (around 4–6 AM) and highest in the late afternoon or early evening. -
E. The temperature of the scrotum is regulated at 37°C:
False. The scrotal temperature is normally maintained below core body temperature (around 34–35°C) to facilitate spermatogenesis. -
F. In women, a rise of basal body temperature occurs immediately after ovulation:
True. Progesterone increases after ovulation cause a small but consistent rise in basal body temperature.
Identifying the Incorrect Combination of Statements
Given the evaluation, the incorrect statements are C, D, and E.
Summary Table: Accuracy of Statements on Body Temperature
Statement Description Correctness A Core temperature varies least with environment Correct B Rectal temperature may rise to 40°C during exercise Correct C Oral temperature higher than rectal temperature Incorrect D Core temp highest at 6 AM, lowest in evening Incorrect E Scrotal temperature regulated at 37°C Incorrect F Basal body temperature rises after ovulation Correct Conclusion
The correct answer representing the incorrect combination is:
(3) C, D, E -
