Determining Flavor
The Connection Between Taste, Smell, and Flavor The sense of taste and smell are closely related. Humans can distinguish 5 different taste sensations: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami. However, we can detect thousands of different smells. The sense of smell, or “olfaction,” is actually the sense that allows us to distinguish a wide variety […]
The Anatomy of a Human Leg
Sculpting the musculature of the lower leg Human anatomy is often taught using a systems approach–skeletal system, nervous system, digestive system, muscles, and so forth. In a living organism, all those systems seamlessly interact, but finding student activities that integrate body systems can be a frustrating task. This activity integrates the skeletal system with musculature. […]
Optics of the Human Eye
Background Geometric optics explains how optical devices (such as lenses and mirrors) create images by considering that light travels in rays, which are straight lines emanating from a light source or reflected from an object. A ray diagram is a useful tool in geometric optics; it describes images formed by lenses or mirrors. A ray […]
Chicken Wing Musculature
Explore the structures and functions of muscle tissue Essential Question What are the structures and functions of muscle tissue? Activity Objectives Observe muscle tissue. Explain movement based on muscle attachment. Practice dissection techniques. Background There are 3 different types of muscle tissue. Smooth muscle can be found in organs in the digestive system, reproductive system, […]
Temperature Sensation Activity
How do the density and arrangement of cutaneous receptors vary on the human arm? The skin is the largest organ in the human body. Various receptors in the skin detect different stimuli. Mechanoreceptors respond to skin stretch, cold, changes in texture, and deep pressure. Thermoreceptors sense changes in temperature, and highly specialized nociceptors respond to […]