Final answer:
The normal oral temperature range for body temperature is 36.5 to 37.5 °C (97.7 to 99.5 °F), with axillary readings being slightly lower and rectal readings higher. Significant deviations from these ranges can indicate medical conditions such as hypothermia, fever, or hyperpyrexia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The average normal body temperature is commonly regarded as 98.6 °F (37.0 °C), but there is a range considered normal for healthy individuals. The normal body temperature range for adults when taking an oral temperature is approximately 36.5 to 37.5 °C (97.7 to 99.5 °F). When measuring axillary (under the arm), the normal range can be slightly lower, while rectal temperatures are typically about 0.5 to 0.7 degrees Celsius (0.9 to 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit) higher than oral measurements.
Any significant deviation from these ranges could indicate a medical condition. A body temperature below 35.0 °C (95.0 °F) may suggest hypothermia, whereas higher temperatures can indicate fever or hyperthermia, with >37.5 or 38.3 °C (99.5 or 100.9 °F) being fever range, and >40.0 or 41.0 °C (104.0 or 105.8 °F) indicating hyperpyrexia.
It is important to note that individual variations exist, and factors such as age, activity and the time of day can influence a person's body temperature. Nonetheless, the body works to maintain homeostasis around the set point value of roughly 37 °C (98.6 °F) within the given normal ranges.