Lost in the Desert!

By David L. Evans

Abstract

Students learn about the interconnectedness of the body, with a particular focus on the skin as one of the most important homeostatic organ systems, in this case study in which the protagonist sets out on a three-hour drive across the Arizona desert to meet his fiancee in California, and never shows up. The case was designed to be used with students in a lower-level anatomy and physiology class who are interested in pursuing careers in nursing, occupational therapy, and other health related fields.

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Date Posted

06/08/2002

Overview

Objectives

Elucidate the importance of electrolyte and fluid control in the normal body: hypovolemia, circulation (in an introductory way), brain functions, sweat formation.
Accurately describe the skin’s role in thermoregulation.
Explain the roles and formation of melanin and vitamin D in the skin.

Keywords

Thermoregulation; thermal regulation; homeostasis; hypovolemia; heat stroke; dehydration; electrolyte; skin; melanin; Vitamin D

Subject Headings

Biology (General)

Nursing

Physiology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Directed

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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