Human physiological limits define precise maximum and minimum core body temperatures for survival
Human survival is bounded by distinct physiological and environmental temperature limits, outside of which thermoregulation fails and core body temperatures become unsustainable.
The retrieved literature consistently supports the concept that human thermoregulation operates within bounded physiological limits, beyond which core temperatures lead to severe morbidity or mortality. Studies specifically establish empirical limits and core temperature thresholds for both hypothermia and hyperthermia.
Torkjel Tveita, Gary C Sieck. Physiological Impact of Hypothermia: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1152/physiol.00025.2021
Paper 1 discusses how hypothermia is defined below specific core temperature thresholds (such as <35°C), beyond which physiological systems fail and circulatory collapse can occur.
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Rachel M Cottle, Kat G Fisher, Olivia K Leach, S Tony Wolf, W Larry Kenney. Critical environmental core temperature limits and heart rate thresholds across the adult age span (PSU HEAT Project).. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00117.2024
Paper 7 establishes critical environmental core temperature and heart rate limits across adult ages, highlighting precise thresholds beyond which thermoregulation is compromised.
Robert D Meade, Fergus K O'Connor, Brodie J Richards, Emily J Tetzlaff, Katie E Wagar, Roberto C Harris-Mostert, Theodore Egube, James J McCormick, Glen P Kenny. Validating new limits for human thermoregulation.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2421281122
Paper 8 validates empirical limits for human thermoregulation, demonstrating specific wet-bulb temperature inflection points where core body temperature rises uncontrollably toward dangerous levels.
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