This investigation compares rates of recovery between two different skin regions and correlates rate of recovery with vascularity.

Description
KEBS6A explores vascularity for different skin regions based on skin temperature recovery rates.

Principle
Human skin temperature is maintained at approximately 33°C (91°F). This temperature can be referred to as the skin temperature “set point.” Regions of skin with higher vascularity (containing more blood vessels) will return more quickly to the set point after a disturbance than regions with less vascularity. In this experiment, you will compare the rate of recovery from cold in two different skin regions and draw conclusions about the vascularity of these areas.

Tasks
1. Compare the rate of recovery from cold in two different skin regions.
2. Correlate rate of recovery with vascularity

Ideas for Extended Investigations
1. Perform the procedure on different areas of the body (i.e., over large muscles, such as the thigh and calf muscles; or over areas with little subcutaneous fat, such as the palm, kneecap, and shin). Compare your results with the result obtained in the original experiment.
2. Perform the procedure placing a blanket over the area on which the sensor is attached. Does this alter the recovery time?

Last edited 22nd Aug 2018