Abstract: The heating system for an operating table comprises a multi-layer heating pad (2) having at least one heating segment (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) which is adapted for being electrically heated and which is pervious to X-rays. A control and regulating unit (3) serving to control or regulate the heating current necessary for achieving an adjustable temperature of the heating pad (2) is connected to the heating pad (2). The heating pad (2) is equiped with a heating conductor (16) comprising a resistor (18) having a specific electric resistance and being wound in helical form about a carrier (17) made from an electrically non-conductive material which, regarding its mechanical properties, is rubber-elastic in the temperature range of between T=10.degree. celsius to T=200.degree. celsius. The different layers of the heating pad (2) are intimately bonded to form a composite material.