Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Thermoregulation
M1 · Temperature Physiology
M1.i · Heat & Temperature Concepts
Define and describe the following: a. heat b. temperature c. normal body temperature d. inter-threshold range e. thermoneutral zone
Written examination
SAQ history
Heat Transfer — Mechanisms
2 exam appearances
Describe the mechanisms by which heat is lost from the body (40% of marks). Discuss the importance of each of these in a sedated and intubated adult patient (60% of marks).
59%
List the mechanisms involved in heat production and loss by the body. (80% of marks) Define thermoneutral zone and inter-threshold range. (20% of marks)
23%
Temperature Measurement
2 exam appearances
a) Define the following: (10% of marks) (i) heat (ii) temperature (iii) specific heat capacity (b) Outline the principles underlying the different methods of temperature measurement using the following headings: (i) electrical methods (60% of marks) (ii) non-electrical methods (30% of marks) Your answer should include examples of each method and their advantages and disadvantages of use.
40%
Thermoregulation — Control
4 exam appearances
(a) Define the interthreshold range of body temperature and the thermoneutral zone and provide the normal values (25% of marks). (b) Explain how the body detects (25% of marks) and defends (50% of marks) against cold exposure, including why neonates and the elderly may be more vulnerable to hypothermia.
76%
(a) Define heat and temperature (15% of marks). (b) Describe how body temperature is regulated (85% of marks).
75%
Oral examination
VIVA history
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2023B · Day 1 · VIVA 1
This viva will examine temperature measurement. Define heat and temperature. What devices are used to measure temperature?
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2018B · Day 1 · VIVA 2
This viva will explore your knowledge of heat and temperature. Explain the physiological mechanisms for the control of body temperature.
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2011A · VIVA 2
This Viva will examine your knowledge about temperature and drugs that may affect temperature Q 1. Outline the mechanisms by which the body controls temperature The majority of candidates did well on this viva. Candidates were expected to know physiological mechanisms associated with defending against temperature fluctuations, sites of measurement of temperature, differences between sites, how NSAIDs reduced a fever and mechanisms of adverse effects associated with NSAIDs. Areas of weakness were failure to mention diurnal variation, thermoneutral zone and differences associated with neonates, newborns and children.
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.