1. Effect of Vascularity on Skin Temperature Recovery

2. What you will learn today . . .
Homeostasis refers to the body’s ability to maintain internal conditions within a certain range
Many of the body’s chemical reactions have to take place at this temperature, regardless of the temperature outside the body
The human skin is designed to detect changes in temperature and respond to them by its complicated structure
The dermis of the skin either allows or prevents blood flow to the surface of the skin
Skin with more blood vessels at its surface (vascularity) will return to the set point more quickly after a temperature change

3. Homeostasis in Body Temperature
What is normal body temperature?
Many of the body’s chemical reactions have to take place at this temperature, regardless of the temperature outside the body
The human skin is designed to detect changes in temperature and respond to them by its complicated structure

4. Side View of the Skin
Figure 1

5. Homeostasis in Body Temperature
The dermis of the skin either allows or prevents blood flow to the surface of the skin
Arteries constrict if it is cool to slow down blood flow
Arteries dilate if it is hot to increase blood flow; this produces a red, flushed appearance

6. Skin Temperature What is normal skin temperature?
This is the set point of the skin
Skin with more blood vessels at its surface (vascularity) will return to the set point more quickly after a temperature change

7. What you will do?
You will compare the rate of recovery from cold in two different skin regions and draw conclusions about the vascularity of these areas.
Figure 2
Figure 3

8. Make Your Hypothesis
Rank the following body parts by their vascularity:
Thigh
Upper Arm
Palm of the Hand
Kneecap
Face
Calf
Shin

9. Results