Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Thermoregulation
M1 · Temperature Physiology
M1.iii · Thermoregulation
Explain the mechanisms by which body temperature is detected and regulated.
Written examination
SAQ history
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%
Thermoregulation — Paracetamol
1 exam appearance
Explain how a normal, healthy adult regulates their body temperature (70% of marks). Explain how paracetamol exerts an antipyretic effect in a febrile patient (30% of marks).
40%
Oral examination
VIVA history
-
2021B · Day 2 · VIVA 6
This viva will assess your knowledge on thermoregulation. What is temperature and how can it be measured?
-
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.
-
2016B · Day 2 · VIVA 4
This viva tested knowledge of newborn physiology including the transitional circulation, temperature regulation and respiratory physiology. It went on to discuss principles of ultrasounds and central venous pressure measurement.
-
2009B · VIVA 2
The initial information given to the candidates was – This viva will test your knowledge on temperature control and measurement. Candidates were asked about temperature and thermoregulation, various means of measuring temperature and metabolic rate and factors that influence metabolic rate.
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.