College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

Which method of sweating is more effective at heat removal?

1. Drip sweat

2. Evaporated sweat

3. Both are equally effective

4. None, sweat is ineffective

The correct answer is: Evaporated sweat

The most effective method of heat removal through sweating is evaporated sweat. When sweat evaporates from the surface of the skin, it absorbs heat from the body, thus cooling it down. This process of evaporation is a key component of thermoregulation in humans, particularly in hot environments or during intense physical activity. Evaporation removes heat from the body more effectively than simply allowing the sweat to drip off the skin. Drip sweat does not provide the same cooling effect because it does not undergo the transition from liquid to vapor. Dripping sweat can still have some cooling benefit by creating a moist environment on the skin but lacks the efficient heat exchange provided by evaporation. Thus, the evaporation of sweat serves as an essential mechanism for maintaining a stable internal body temperature, especially in scenarios where the body generates excess heat.