TED-Ed: What makes tattoos permanent? - Claudia Aguirre

The video explores the history and cultural significance of tattoos, highlighting their ancient origins and varying meanings across cultures. It explains the tattooing process, detailing how ink is embedded into the skin's dermis layer, making tattoos permanent. The body's immune response, involving macrophages and fibroblasts, plays a crucial role in maintaining the tattoo's appearance. Over time, tattoos may fade due to natural processes and UV exposure, but proper care can mitigate this. Tattoo removal is possible through laser treatments, though it remains more challenging than getting a tattoo.

What is the primary reason tattoos do not flake off with shedding skin?

• The ink is embedded in the dermis.

• The ink is absorbed by the epidermis.

• The ink is resistant to shedding.

• The ink is constantly reapplied.

How do modern tattoo machines apply ink to the skin?

• By using a single large needle.

• By inserting tiny needles loaded with dye into the skin.

• By spraying ink onto the skin surface.

• By applying ink with a brush.

What role do macrophages play in the tattooing process?

• They remove ink from the skin.

• They create new skin cells.

• They cause the skin to shed.

• They engulf ink particles, making tattoos permanent.

What is a major factor that contributes to the natural fading of tattoos over time?

• The ink being absorbed by the bloodstream.

• The ink evaporating from the skin.

• The body's immune response breaking down pigment particles.

• The skin growing over the ink.

Which method is commonly used today to remove tattoos?

• Chemical peels.

• Laser treatment.

• Surgical excision.

• Dermabrasion.