Biology 9
Integumentary System and Anatomical Terms Lab
Objectives
ƒ To observe and understand the basic structure and function of the skin and its accessory organs
ƒ To define and use terms describing body position and location
ƒ To identify the body cavities
Note that the Integumentary System portion of the lab is worth 10 points and the anatomical terms portion is worth
5 points.
Part 1: Integumentary System
Microscopic Examination of the Skin
For this portion of the lab, you will examine images from "The JayDoc Histoweb" made available by the University
of Kansas Medical Center at the following web address:
http://www.kumc.edu/instruction/medicine/anatomy/histoweb/index.htm. The links are also available directly from
the instructor's website.
Click on "Skin". View image 1 of thin light skin and images 2 and 3 of thin dark skin. Note the many layered
epidermis and the dense fibrous connective tissue that comprise the dermis. Note also the dark pigment contained
in the cells of the basal layer (bottom most layer) of the epidermis in images 2 and 3. This pigment is the main
factor determining skin color.
View images 9 and 10 of thick light skin. The thickness of the keratinized corneum layer distinguishes thick and
thin skin regardless of the thickness of the other layers (including the dermis and hypodermis). Note that the
magnification of thick skin in image 9 is the same as the previous thin skin images.
View image 4 of a sweat gland. Sweat glands, like hair follicles, are found only in the dermis of thin skin. Notice
that the sweat duct stains darker than the gland.
View the hair follicle and hair bulb in images 5 and 6 respectively. Hair follicles are rooted in the dermis.
View the sebaceous or oil glands in images 7 and 8. The sebaceous gland empties its contents into the hair follicle.
Bundles of arrector pili muscle can also be seen.
Answer the following questions about the integumentary system (5 pts):
1. List three functions of skin.
2. State a function of the arrector pili muscle.
3. What portion of the epidermis has actively reproducing cells?
4. Blood vessels and nerves are present in which layer of skin?
5. In what layer of skin do you find melanocytes and keratinocytes?
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6. What molecules are produced by the cell types mentioned in question 5?
7. Name two types of cutaneous or skin glands?
8. Name and describe the secretions of the glands mentioned in question 7?
9. Are the two glands found in skin exocrine or endocrine?
10. What do the nails you clip, the hair you cut, and the skin you rub off have in common?
Label the parts of the skin layers left blank using the terms below (5 pts):
sebaceous or oil gland
sweat gland
arrector pili muscle
hair
sensory receptors
epidermis
dermis
nerve
artery
vein
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Part 2: Anatomical Terms
Body Orientation and Direction (2.5 pts)
Define the following terms:
• superior/inferior
/
•
anterior (ventral)/posterior (dorsal)
/
•
medial/lateral
/
•
proximal/distal
/
•
superficial/deep
/
Body Cavities (2.5 pts).
Using your textbook or models in class, label each cavity and sub-cavity as indicated. There are TEN blanks to fill
in and each is worth 1/4 point.
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