How to Plot the Distribution of Sweat Glands in the Skin

Sweat glands, also called endocrine glands, are small openings in the skin that release moisture to regulate body temperature. Sweat glands can be found in almost every area of the body. They are too small to be seen by the naked eye, but they can be visualized by looking at the skin under a microscope. The distribution of sweat glands is different from one body area to another. The pattern of sweat gland distribution can be seen by following the directions below.

Things You'll Need

• Iodine
• Graph paper
• Large cotton swabs

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Choose several areas on your body (for example, palm of hand, leg, forearm) to map. Dip a swab in iodine and cover each area with a thin layer of iodine.

• 2

  Allow the iodine to dry completely. While it is drying, cut the graph paper in several pieces large enough to cover each area where the iodine was applied. Label each piece with the corresponding body area.

• 3

  Tape each piece of graph paper over the area of skin covered in iodine. Make sure the paper is flat against the surface of the skin. Leave in place for 20 to 30 minutes.

• 4

  Remove the paper from each body area. There will be blue-black dots representing each active sweat gland. These dots occur as iodine dissolves in the sweat glands and reacts with the starch in the paper.

• 5

  Count the number of dots in one square. This is the distribution of sweat glands per centimeter squared. Compare the density of sweat glands in the different areas of the body.