Answer
Body temperature varies from place to place in the body. The temperature of organs of the cranium, thoracic cavity, and abdominal cavity is called the core temperature. It is usually measured in the rectum with a mercury thermometer. This temperature is usually 99.0 F -99.7 F (37.2-37.6 C). But it is temperature is variable and may be as high as 101F (38.5 deg C) in some subjects.
The shell temperature is temperature in peripheral areas like the skin and the oral cavity. This temperature is normally lower than rectal ( core) temperature. Oral temperature for healthy adults is 97.9-98.6 deg. F (36.6-37.0 deg C). Shell temperature too may vary and may rise as high as 104 deg. F (40 deg. C) during vigorous physical activity/exercise.
Work Step by Step
Active children tend to have high core temperatures--101 deg F (38.5 deg C).
