Body temperature can be measured in various regions of the body.
Surface body temperature is measured in the oral, axillary, and temporal areas, while core body temperature sites include the rectum and tympanic membrane.
Oral temperature is measured by placing a thermometer in the sublingual region. As this site is near the sublingual artery, it detects variations in core body temperature.
The axillary temperature is assessed by placing the thermometer in the middle of the axilla and adducting the arm toward the chest wall. This location is unreliable for determining body temperature as no major blood vessels are nearby.
The temperature at the forehead is measured by placing a thermometer over the temporal artery, which employs infrared technology to detect heat generated from the skin surface over the temporal artery.
The tympanic membrane temperature is measured by gently placing a probe in the ear canal and pressing it against the eardrum.
The rectal temperature is obtained by gently inserting a thermometer into the rectum. It is regarded as one of the most precise methods.