Temperature Feedback Loops
James Clifford and Alex Vuchkov
Purpose
The purpose of this experiment was to explore the feedback loops of human homeostasis, specifically regarding the regulation of skin temperature.
Hypothesis
If ice is placed on the palm of the hand, then the skin temperature will decrease with the ice, but return to normalcy upon the ice's removal from the hand.
Procedures
1. Take initial temperature reading on palm of hand
2. Place ice cube on palm of hand and leave for five minutes
3. Remove ice cube and wipe off any water residue
4. Take an adjusted reading of the cold hand
5. Wait five more minutes
6. Take a final reading
7. Compare the three readings.
Key
Blue = Preliminary Reading
Red = Post ice reading
Green = "Recovery reading" after ice was removed
Analysis
As the graph shows, the data presented itself in three distinct arrangements, each of which provided a standard for that measurement. For the preliminary reading, a constant value of approximately 33 degrees celcius. The ice reading had a value of approximately 24 degrees celcius, and the recovery reading had a value of approximately 28 degrees celcius.
Conclusion
Before the experiment, it was predicted that the temperature of the hand would decrease sharply with the introduction of the ice, but that after the ice was removed the temperature of the hand would quickly recover back to the preliminary value. According to the data, this hypothesis was proven to be correct. As the analysis stated, the preliminary, iced, and recovery values of skin temperature were 33, 24, and 28 degrees celcius, respectively. Given these data points, it was logical to infer that this recovery in temperature from 24 to 28 was the result of the bodies natural recovery, as measures were taken in the experiment to ensure no other external warming factors.