LAB – Week 11: Layers of Skin

Biology I, Pre-Health Sciences – Durham College, Fall 2021

/ Not graded
INSTRUCTIONS

Before coming to the lab, familiarize yourself with the

goals, agenda, and required prior learning.

Goals:
 List and describe the structures (layers, tissues,
cell types, etc) found in human skin using
appropriate scientific vocabulary
 Locate various structures found in human skin
using traditional light microscopy
 Operate a light microscope using proper
technique and safety considerations
 Communicate scientific information in written,
verbal and visual formats
 Create an effective study tool that summarizes
skin anatomy

Evaluations:
 During the lab you will be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and
understanding of this week’s topics via an informal evaluation.
 This week’s evaluation is for practice only (i.e not worth official grades)
but will provide you with formative feedback on your learning.

Come Prepared:

 To be successful in this lab, you will need to complete the following before
attending the lab:
 Review this lab booklet thoroughly, including all links, appendices, etc.
 Bring your own lab coat and safety glasses
 Learn all online content from DC Connect pertaining to Week 10 >
Integumentary System > Integumentary Structures. You should be
 able to:
 List the layers of the skin, describe their functions, and identify.
the various types of tissues found within
 Identify the main pigments responsible for skin colour
 Differentiate between sweat glands and oil glands
 TIP: The weekly quiz, practice sheets, and other online activities can
give you feedback on your knowledge of this topic and can help you to
feel confident that you are prepared for the lab.

Lab Agenda for this Week:

 Upon entry:

 Students will be inspected for proper PPE and lab attire

 Safety considerations specific to this lab will be announced
 E.g. Broken glass container if a microscope slide breaks
 During the lab:

 Skin Microscopy – Using standard light microscopy, students will inspect

the various layers of human skin. Guided by their instructor, various skin
structures, tissues and cell types will be identified and discussed.
 Terms include: Epidermis – keratinocyte, stratum corneum,
stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, stratum
basale, Langerhans cell, Merkel cell, melanocyte; Dermis –
fibroblast, papillary layer, reticular layer, arrector pili, hair with
follicle, sebaceous gland, sudoriferous gland, eccrine gland,
apocrine gland; Hypodermis – adipocytes; vascular, avascular
 Appendix: Protocol - Light microscopy
 Resource: Histology guide – Thick Skin.
 TIP: Use this online microscope to familiarize yourself with
skin histology before coming to the lab
 http://www.histologyguide.com/slideview/MH-091-thick-
skin/11-slide-1.html
 Skin Drawing – Using the knowledge gained from the skin microscopy,
students will create a labeled drawing of skin that will serve as a future
study tool. Time permitting, students may have the opportunity to peer-
evaluate each other’s work to receive feedback on their learning.
 Appendix: Template – Skin Drawing
 Appendix: Checklist – Skin Drawing

Additional Policies

 Taking pictures
 Students are invited to take pictures of their learning for future study
 Safety
  Students are expected to follow all safety procedures as outlined in the
Lab Safety Module and your instructor
APPENDIX: Template – Skin Drawing
APPENDIX: Checklist – Skin Drawing

Use this checklist to ensure your skin drawing is complete and accurate. Then ask a
classmate to use the same checklist as a guide for providing peer-feedback.

EPIDERMIS:
Criteria Self Peer
Labels are provided for stratum corneum, lucidum, granulosum, a.
spinosum, and basale
Layers are in the correct order from superficial to deep b.
Keratinocytes are present in each of the layers c.
Merkel cells are present in the stratum spinosum d.
Melanocytes are present in the stratum basale e.
Langerhans cells are present within the stratum basale f.
No blood or nerve vessels are present (avascular) g.

DERMIS:
Criteria Self Peer

Labels are provided for papillary layer and reticular layers

Layers are in the correct order from superficial to deep. a.
Fibroblasts are present in each of the layers b.
Hair follicle and arrector pili are present c.
Sebaceous glands are present in the hair follicle d.
Sudoriferous glands (eccrine and apocrine) are present e.
Blood and nerve vessels are present (vascular) f.

HYPODERMIS:
Criteria Self Peer
Adipocytes (adipose tissue) are present within the layers
Blood and nerve vessels are present (vascular)

OVERALL
Criteria Self Peer
Image is legible, clear, and professional a.
Image is useful as a study stool a.
All terms are spelled correctly a.
At least 1 memory trick is provided a.

0.5 x 20 = Out of 10 marks

APPENDIX: Protocol – Light Microscopy

Introduction

A microscope is an instrument that is used to study the structure and components of

living organisms that are not visible to the naked eye. In this protocol, you will learn to
use a standard light microscope. To do this, you will learn how to carry a microscope,
identify its parts, focus on a sample, and clean it up after you are finished using it.

Procedure

1. Begin by reading the 3 rules that must be followed when carrying a microscope.
a. Always carry the microscope using 2 hands.
b. One hand should be holding the microscope arm. The other hand should be
supporting the weight of the microscope by holding the base.
c. The electrical cord should be removed from the microscope and transported
separately.

Correct Incorrect

[Adapted from source + source]

2. Next, examine the labeled image of the microscope below. [NOTE: During the lab,
your instructor will help you to locate these parts on your own microscope.]
1. Next, read the protocol below for focusing on a sample:

a. Prep the microscope:

i. Move the stage to its lowest position by moving the coarse adjustment
knob all the way down.
ii. Move the objective to the 4X position.
iii. Adjust the light adjustment knob as needed

b. Position the microscope slide.

i. Obtain the microscope slide from your instructor
ii. Load the microscope slide into the slide holder
iii. Position the microscope slide using the XY adjustment knobs so that
the sample is centered within the light path.

c. Focus on the sample:

i. Ensure the 4X objective is being used.
ii. Slide the coarse adjustment knob until the sample comes into focus.
Increase the light adjustment if needed. You may also need to re-
center the sample using the XY adjustment knobs.
iii. Switch to the 10X objective.
iv. Slide the fine adjustment knob until the sample is completely in focus.
Increase the light adjustment if needed. You may also need to re-
center the sample using the XY adjustment knobs.
v. Switch to the 40X objective.
vi. Slide the fine adjustment knob until the sample is completely in focus.
Increase the light adjustment if needed. You may also need to re-
center the sample using the XY adjustment knobs.
vii. You should now be looking at a fully focused image of the sample.
viii. See the images below of human blood at 4X, 10X and 40X
magnification.

Sampl Screenshots
e 4X 10X 40X
Human
blood

Calculating total magnification:

If you are asked to calculate the total magnification of your specimen, simply multiply the magnification
power of the ocular lens (which is 10X) by the magnification power of the objective lens being used. [E.g.
If the ocular is 10X and the objective being used is 10X, the total magnification would be 100X.]
 b. Switching samples:
i. Before switching samples, always be sure to return the microscope
back to its “prepped” position
ii. Move the stage to its lowest position by sliding the coarse adjustment
knob all the way down.
iii. Move the objective to the 4X position.
iv. Adjust the light adjustment knob as needed

2. Next, read the protocol below for cleaning up and storing the microscope when
you are finished with it:

c. Cleaning up and storing the microscope

i. The light switch should be off
ii. The light adjustment knob should be turned back to low
iii. The stage should be lowered all the way down using the coarse
adjustment knob
iv. The objective should be returned to the 4X position.
v. Cord should be detached and cover should be placed over microscope

3. Lastly, examine the checklist below to make sure you avoid common student
mistakes:

NEVER:
 Never use the coarse adjustment knob when focusing at
higher magnifications using the 10X or 40X objectives. If you
do, the objective could hit the slide and damage the
microscope. Only use the fine adjustment knob. It is only OK
to use the coarse adjustment knob when focusing on samples
with the 4X objective.
 Never focus on samples using the 100X oil immersion
objective

ALWAYS:
 Always increase the amount of light as you increase the
magnification
 Always lower the stage before changing the slide
 Always carry the microscope with 2 hands supporting it via the
arm and

3. If you would still like further practice before the lab, check out the following
additional resources:

a. Online microscope - https://www.ncbionetwork.org/iet/microscope/