Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 49, Issue 6 1042-1046, Copyright © 1980 by American Physiological Society
Thermal features of the female axilla
R. M. Abrams, J. P. Royston, S. J. Humphrey and H. S. Wolff
Axillary (Tax), vaginal (Tv), and sublingual (Tsl) temperatures were
measured in 12 women between 0600 and 0730 h prior to their arising from
bed. Isothermal maps made of closed axilla 30 min after thermojunctions had
been inserted showed a distribution of several temperatures, the lowest
Tv-Tax isotherm occupying approximately 40% of the anteroposterior
distance. Tax at this point was 0.1 to 0.5 degrees C less than Tv and -0.03
to 0.26 degrees C less than Tsl. The time course of Tax rise varied
considerably among subjects, with the slowest still rising 30 min after
insertion, whereas the fastest was almost steady after 3 min. The width of
the 0.5 degrees C isotherm along the fold averaged 5.8 cm and occupied
about 60% of the axillary width. A significant negative correlation was
noted between width of the 0.5 degrees C isotherm and Tv-Tax. Effects on
the time course of 1) preexposure to air of the axilla for 5 min and 2)
different initial thermometer temperatures (10 and 30 degrees C) were
studied in 6 women. Analysis of variance showed a significantly higher
value of Tax (10 min)-Tax (3 min), i.e., a slower time course with the
cooler thermometer. The effects of exposure of the axilla were much more
pronounced.
