Frostbite

High school (ages 12+)
Human Body

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/frostbite

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism?Formation of ice crystals in tissues, leading to cellular damage and ischemia
2. What is the key physiological response?Peripheral vasoconstriction to conserve core body heat
3. Why does frostbite happen on fingers and toes?Cold makes the blood vessels in the fingers and toes close up, so less blood reaches those parts and the skin can freeze.
4. How can frostbite hurt even after we warm up?When we warm the skin back up, the sudden return of blood can create tiny oxygen bubbles that damage cells, and the body sends chemicals that add more injury.

Ischemia: A restriction in blood supply to tissues, causing a shortage of oxygen.
Vasoconstriction: The narrowing of blood vessels, reducing blood flow.
Hypoxia: A condition in which the body or a region of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply.
Necrosis: The death of body tissue, often due to a lack of blood supply.