Heat Production and Heat Balance of the Body

Abstract

As mentioned in Chapter 1, the rates of heat production and heat loss must be equal if body temperature is to remain constant. In this context, the term body temperature refers to the mean of the entire body, and must not be confused with that of the body core. Thus, in its simplest form, the heat balance equation for the case of constant mean body temperature of a resting subject is:

$$ HP = THL $$

(5.1)

where: HP = rate of metabolic heat production THL = rate of total heat loss Dimensions are watt (W), preferably in relation to unit area of body surface (W.m^-2) or unit body mass (W.kg^-1).