COPE Health Scholars Practice Test

Which of the following can significantly affect body temperature?

1. Diet changes

2. Illness

3. Sun exposure

4. Genetic factors

The correct answer is: Illness

Body temperature is closely regulated by the body’s thermoregulatory mechanisms, and illness is one of the key factors that can significantly disrupt this balance. When the body is fighting off an infection or dealing with an inflammatory process, it often produces pyrogens – substances that induce fever. This increase in temperature is a natural response aimed at creating an environment less favorable for pathogens and enhancing the immune response. Illness can cause fluctuations in body temperature due to factors such as the type of infection, the location in the body where the illness is occurring, and the severity of the disease. For instance, conditions like influenza, pneumonia, or even localized infections can lead to marked increases in body temperature. Therefore, it’s clear that illness can have a profound and immediate impact on an individual’s normal body temperature regulation, making it a critical aspect to consider in a clinical or health-setting context.