= Physiological set point
A <physiological set point> is a reference around which regulation is organized, analogous to a <reference signal>. An observed average is not automatically a separately encoded target. A range of acceptable values and different response thresholds can be more informative than a single exact number. <Negative feedback> describes a causal sign; neither perfect constancy nor complete restoration follows from that sign alone.
For <core body temperature>, <circadian rhythms> and <fever> can change the defended level. Thus a response toward the current <physiological set point> need not restore yesterday's <temperature>. A drifting target and imperfect tracking of a fixed target are different explanations for a changing readout. <Fundamental Concepts of Human Thermoregulation and Adaptation to Heat: A Review in the Context of Global Warming by Chin Leong Lim>[§2.3.1, Figure 1 and following paragraphs: circadian and pyrogen-related changes of the temperature set point]{ref}
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