Final answer:
Heat stroke is characterized by an elevated body temperature as the body loses its ability to regulate temperature due to the failure or overwhelming of its cooling mechanisms. It typically features a lack of sweating and can lead to severe health consequences, requiring urgent medical care.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question 'In heat stroke, the:' is B) Body temperature is elevated. During heat stroke, the body is unable to regulate its temperature effectively, resulting in a potentially dangerous increase in core body temperature.
Normally, the body can respond to heat by activating its cooling mechanisms, such as sweat glands secreting fluid, which evaporates to cool the body down. However, in cases of heat stroke, these mechanisms fail or are overwhelmed, and the body's temperature reaches elevated levels. This can be due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or physical activity in the heat without adequate hydration or rest. The condition is characterized by a lack of sweating, which indicates a severe dehydration state and the body's inability to cool itself.
High temperatures can lead to situations where the body's enzymes cease to function properly, beginning with the central nervous system. Hyperthermia, as seen in heat stroke, is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.