Integumentary Lab

We will be exploring the different structures and layers of the skin, identifying the percentages of the body using the rule of nines, and performing a surface temperature experiment.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and it has multiple functions such as protection, sensation, temperature regulation, and vitamin D synthesis. It is composed of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (subcutaneous layer). The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin and it is composed of several layers of keratinocytes, melanocytes, and Langerhans cells. The dermis is the middle layer of the skin and it is composed of glands, blood, nerves, collagen, elastin, and reticular fibers. Finally, the hypodermis is the innermost layer of the skin and it is composed of adipose tissue and connective tissue.

Models and diagrams will be used to label the different structures and layers of the skin. By the end of the lab, you should be able to identify the different layers of the skin and their functions.

We will also be using the rule of nines to identify the percentages of the body that are affected by burns. The rule of nines is a method used to estimate the extent of burns on the body. It divides the body into regions that represent 9% or multiples of 9% of the total body surface area. We will use this method to calculate the percentage of body surface area affected by burns in different scenarios.

Lastly, we will be conducting a surface temperature experiment to explore the role of the skin in regulating body temperature. We will be using a surface temperature thermometer to measure the surface temperature of different regions of the body and comparing the results to understand the skin's role in maintaining homeostasis.

By the end of this lab, you should have a deeper understanding of the structures and functions of the skin, the rule of nines for estimating the percentage of body surface area affected by burns, and the role of the skin in regulating body temperature.

Objectives

·         Become familiar with the different structures and layers of the skin, including the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.

·         To identify and label the various components of the epidermis, including keratinocytes, melanocytes, and Langerhans cells.

·         To recognize the different components of the dermis, such as glands, blood vessels, nerves, collagen, elastin, and reticular fibers.

·         To understand the composition and functions of the hypodermis, including adipose tissue and connective tissue.

·         To use models and diagrams to visually represent the structures and layers of the skin.

·         To apply the rule of nines to estimate the percentage of body surface area affected by burns in different scenarios.

·         To analyze the data obtained from the surface temperature experiment and draw conclusions about the skin's role in regulating body temperature.

·         To develop a deeper understanding of the overall functions and importance of the skin in maintaining homeostasis.

·         To enhance scientific observation and data interpretation skills through the lab activities and experiments.

Using the rule of nines, what percent of the body is each letter representing? 

Surface Temperature

Surface temperature thermometers are devices that measure the temperature of surfaces. They work by converting the infrared radiation emitted by the surface to a temperature value. We will use a surface temperature thermometer to obtain the surface temperature of their skin before and after 5 minutes of exercise. The exercise is intended to increase their skin temperature and compare the temperature change with the baseline reading.

Materials

·         Surface temperature thermometer

·         Alcohol swab

Procedure

1.       Clean the surface of your skin with an alcohol swab to remove any sweat or oils.

2.       Obtain a baseline surface temperature reading by holding the thermometer in a clenched hand for one-two minutes.

a.   Obtain a stable reading before recording the value.

3.       Exercise for 5 minutes. (any form of exercise such as jogging in place, jumping jacks, etc.)

4.       After 5 minutes of exercise, stop and immediately obtain a surface temperature reading as described in step 3.

a.   Obtain a stable reading before recording the value.

5.       Repeat steps 3-7 for two more times to obtain an average value and ensure the consistency of the results.

6.       Average the class data for pre and post exercise.

7.       After the experiment, clean the thermometer with a clean alcohol swab and return it to the designated storage area.

Explain what this experiment shows about surface temperature in response to exercise.

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Review Questions

1.       What is the outermost layer of the human skin called?
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2.       How does the epidermis protect the body from harmful external factors?
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3.       How does the body regulate temperature through the integumentary system?
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4.       What is the difference between eccrine and apocrine sweat glands?
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5.       How does the skin heal itself after an injury?
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6.       How can the integumentary system be affected by a person's diet?
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7.       What is the pigment that gives skin its color called?
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8.       How does melanin protect the skin from UV radiation?
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9.       What are the different types of skin cancer?
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10.    How does aging affect the integumentary system?
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