The coldest parts of the human body are typically the extremities: hands, fingers, feet, toes, nose, and ears. These areas are furthest from the body's core, resulting in lower temperatures. While the exact temperature varies depending on environmental conditions and individual factors, these extremities often register around 30°C (86°F) or lower in cold environments. The armpit, a commonly measured area, is reported to be around 35.9°C (96.6°F), significantly warmer than the extremities. [1, 5, 7]
Several factors contribute to the lower temperatures in these areas:
- Distance from the Core: The farther a body part is from the body's core, the less efficiently blood carries heat to that area. This reduced blood flow leads to lower temperatures. [1]
- Surface Area: Extremities have a relatively high surface area to volume ratio. This means more heat is lost to the environment from these areas compared to areas like the torso. [1, 8]
- Vasconstriction: In cold environments, blood vessels in the extremities constrict (vasoconstriction) to reduce heat loss. This further contributes to lower temperatures. [5]
Different sources might report slightly varied results, with some suggesting the nose and ears are among the coldest, [2] but the consistent observation is that the extremities experience the most significant temperature drop compared to the body's core. It's also important to note that the feeling of coldness can be subjective and influenced by factors beyond actual temperature, such as nerve sensitivity. [6] The internal body temperature remains relatively constant through homeostasis in healthy individuals; only the extremities show such a temperature variance. [3]
