At high ambient environmental temperatures exceeding body core temperature (e.g. 40 deg C), what is the ONLY effective physiological mechanism of heat dissipation?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Evaporation of sweat
- Step 1: When environmental temperature is higher than skin temperature (37 deg C), the temperature gradient reverses. Step 2. Radiation, conduction, and convection all transfer heat INTO the body; evaporation of sweat (latent heat 2.4 kJ/g) is the sole avenue for heat loss. Answer: Evaporation of sweat. Why not the others: Radiation adds heat from surroundings; Conduction gains heat; Convective transfer gains heat.
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