Temperature measurement.

The terms heat and temperature are two distinct but closely related concepts. The core difference between heat and temperature is that heat deals with thermal energy, whereas temperature is more concerned with molecular kinetic energy. As a substance is cooled, it loses thermal energy. Eventually it will reach a temperature at which it no longer possesses any thermal or kinetic energy and so it can no longer be cooled; this temperature is absolute zero. Another unique temperature concept is the triple point of a substance; the temperature at which a substance exists simultaneously and in perfect equilibrium in a solid, liquid and gaseous phase. The triple point is unique for every substance; for water, it reaches its triple point at 0.01°C at a pressure of 0.006 atmospheres. Temperature may be measured using the Celsius, Fahrenheit and Kelvin scales. Many clinical thermometers are designed to display the output in a digital format to enable easier monitoring as well as recording. Non-electrical thermometers are still in use today. Thermoregulation in the anaesthetized patient is achieved by the understanding of the mechanisms of heat loss, as well as the use of thermometers, warming and cooling devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]