Abstract: A measurement system (1) for characterizing sample tissue (4; 4a, 4b) in a non-invasive way comprises a stimulation device (3; 3a, 3b; 3a, 3c) for thermal stimulation of the sample tissue (4; 4a, 4b), a temperature sensor (2; 2a, 2b) for capturing at least one temperature profile of the sample tissue (4) and a computing unit (11) connected to the temperature sensor (2; 2a, 2b) for processing data delivered by the temperature sensor (2; 2a, 2b). Thermal radiation radiated by the sample tissue (4; 4a, 4b) from at least a measurement area (5) is detectable as a result of the thermal stimulation by the temperature sensor (2; 2a, 2b) during the thermal stimulation of the sample tissue (4; 4a, 4b). The stimulation device comprises a temperature regulating body (3; 3a, 3b; 3a, 3c) which is in continuous contact with the sample tissue (4; 4a, 4b) in a contact area (6) during an entire measurement period.