Exercise 6-2
Histology of Integument
MATERIALS
Light microscope
Slide of thick skin
Slide of thin skin
Colored pencils
In this exercise we will examine prepared slides of skin and hair. The
skin sections are taken from different regions of the body so we can
compare and contrast two types of skin: (a) thick skin, found on the
palms and soles of the feet, and (b) thin skin, found everywhere else
(Fig. 6.6).
Before moving on, review the basics of microscopy from Units 3
and 5. Remember to follow a step-by-step approach when examining
the slides. Look at the slide with the naked eye first, then begin your
examination on low power, and advance to higher power to see more
details.
Dermal papillae
Stratum corneum
Loose CT of the papillary
layer of the dermis
Sebaceous gland
Hair follicle
Duct of sweat gland
Sweat gland
Dense irregular
connective tissue of the
reticular layer of the dermis
FIGURE 6.6 Skin, photomicrographs: (A) thick skin (B) thin skin.
Procedure 1 Microscopy of Thick Skin
Obtain a prepared slide of thick skin (which may be labeled "Palmar Skin"), and examine it with the naked
eye to get oriented. Once you are oriented, place the slide on the stage of the microscope, and scan it on low
power. You should be able to see the epidermis with its superficial layers of dead cells and the dermis with its pink clusters
of collagen bundles that make up the dense irregular collagenous
connective tissue. Compare it to Figure 6.6A to make sure that are you
are looking at the right slide and the right magnification. Advance to
higher power to see the cells and associated structures in greater detail.
Use your colored pencils to draw what you see in the field of view
(you will be able to see the most structures on low power). Label your
drawing with the following terms, using Figure 6.6A for reference. When
you have completed your drawing, fill in the first part of Table 6.2.
1. Epidermis
2. Dermis
a. Stratum corneum
a. Dermal papillae
b. Stratum lucidum
b. Collagen bundles
c. Stratum granulosum
c. Sweat gland
d. Stratum spinosum
e. Stratum basale
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Exploring Anatomy & Physiology in the Laboratory