Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance 9th Edition by Scott Powers, Edward Howley

Exercise 2

Why does a significant increase in core temperature represent a threat to life?

Step 1 of 2

Higher organisms like humans are homeotherms. They maintain a constant body core temperature of 37° C. A rise or drop in body temperature may have serious health consequences. During exercise, skeletal muscles produce large amounts of heat. Prolonged exercise in hot/humid conditions may lead to failure in heat dissipation and may cause a significant increase in core temperature. This condition is called hyperthermia.