What is the term used when a person's body cannot regulate its temperature?

Heat stroke is the term used to describe a severe condition where the body cannot regulate its temperature, typically due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, leading to a significant rise in body temperature. In cases of heat stroke, the body's thermoregulatory mechanisms fail, and the core body temperature can exceed 104°F (40°C), which can result in cellular damage, organ failure, and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

As the body overheats, symptoms may include confusion, altered mental state, and loss of consciousness. This condition requires immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications. Recognizing heat stroke is crucial for timely intervention and management, particularly in athletes or individuals engaged in physical activities in hot environments.

While other options such as heat exhaustion and heat cramps are related to heat stress, they involve different mechanisms and degrees of severity. Heat exhaustion involves heavy sweating and dehydration but still retains the body's ability to regulate temperature to some extent. Heat cramps are painful muscle contractions that can occur due to loss of fluids and electrolytes during intense exercise in heat but do not indicate an inability to maintain body temperature. Hypothermia, on the other hand, is associated with dangerously low body temperature, which is not relevant in the context of heat-related illnesses.