Soft Tissue Wounds and Principles of Healing
Abstract
Human skin is the largest organ of the body. It provides protection; thermooregulation; and sensory, metabolic, and immune functions and is a dynamic barrier for the underlying organism. Disruption of the skin by wounding can lead to fluid loss, infection, scarring, hypothermia, or compromised immunity [1] . A basic understanding of skin structure will help us understand the extent of injury and will help guide treatment and repair of wounds. The skin is composed of two major layers: the outermost layer, or epidermis, and the dermis, which are separated by the basement membrane but are mutually dependent upon each other for skin integrity. The subcutaneous tissue that underlies the dermis and consists of adipose cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages and supplies the trunks for blood and nerve supply is termed the hypodermis. Skin appendages arise in the dermis and hypodermis and are derived from embryonic tissue that differentiates into eccrine and apocrine glands, hair follicles, and nails.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA627831
Entities
People
- David G. Baer
- Margaret K. Strecker-mcgraw
- Thomas R. Jones
Organizations
- United States Army Institute of Surgical Research