Soft Tissue Healing and Integumentary System Vocabulary

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture notes on soft tissue healing, mechanisms of cell injury, cellular adaptations, skin layers, phases of healing, cardinal signs of acute inflammation, and scar dynamics.

Ischemia

Altered blood flow below the minimum needed for homeostasis, leading to partial or total hypoxia, decreased nutrients, decreased waste removal, decreased ATP synthesis, and cell swelling.

Reversible Cell Injury

Sub-lethal cellular damage that occurs when a cell is adaptable enough to withstand a derangement of homeostasis and return to normal function.

Irreversible Cell Injury

Lethal cellular damage in which a cell cannot withstand or adapt to deranged homeostasis, resulting in cell death.

Atrophy

A reduction in cell and/or organ size, which may be pathologic or physiologic.

Hypertrophy

An increase in the size of cells, leading to an overall increase in organ size.

Hyperplasia

An increase in the number of cells, thereby increasing organ size.

Metaplasia

The replacement of one cell type with another cell type as an adaptation to chronic mechanical stress.

Dysplasia

An increase in cell numbers (hyperplasia) along with replacement of cells (metaplasia), resulting in structural developmental differences.

Fibronectin

A structural protein component that provides tensile strength and structural support during soft tissue healing.

Proteoglycans

Proteins that stabilize tissue architecture and aid in tissue hydration during tissue repair.

Elastin

A tissue protein that provides elasticity to soft tissues.

Collagen

The most important protein for providing structural support and tensile strength for almost all tissues and organs of the body.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of the integumentary system responsible for protection, heat regulation, and sensation.

Dermis

The layer of skin containing collagen and elastin fibers as well as arrector muscles.

Subcutaneous Tissue

Layer of loose connective tissue and fat beneath the dermis containing the deepest part of sweat glands, blood and lymphatic vessels, and cutaneous nerves.

Deep Fascia

A dense organized connective tissue layer that infiltrates and surrounds deeper anatomical structures.

Skin Ligaments

Fibrous structures attaching the deep surface of the dermis to underlying deep fascia.

Hemostasis

The immediate first phase of wound healing initiated upon acute injury, where vessel constriction and platelet aggregation stop bleeding.

Degeneration Phase

A stage of initial tissue response characterized by hematoma formation and necrosis of dead cells.

Acute Inflammation

A sudden-onset, short-duration response involving vascular, neurologic, and cellular mechanisms to inactivate injurious agents, remove dead cells, and initiate healing.

Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation that fails to resolve and persists over an extended period.

Tumor (Swelling/Edema)

A cardinal sign of acute inflammation caused by fluid and cells leaking from blood vessels into extra-vascular spaces.

Rubor (Erythema)

A cardinal sign of acute inflammation presenting as redness caused by vasodilation and increased blood flow.

Calor (Heat)

A cardinal sign of acute inflammation resulting from vasodilation and increased local blood flow.

Dolor (Pain)

A cardinal sign of acute inflammation caused by direct trauma and increased pressure on peripheral nerves from edema.

Phagocytosis

The ingestion and removal of microorganisms, foreign substances, necrotic cells, and connective tissue debris so tissue healing may proceed.

Angiogenesis

The proliferation of endothelial cells from viable blood vessels to form new capillary channels during tissue repair; also known as neovascularization.

Granulation Tissue

Moist, edematous tissue formed during proliferation, consisting of macrophages, fibroblasts, and newly formed capillaries.

Remodeling and Maturation Phase

The final phase of wound healing starting around the third week, characterized by reduced blood vessel concentration, reorganization of collagen fibers, and contraction of the matrix.

Keloid Scarring

Nodular masses of collagen randomly arranged in swirls or clusters that extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound and rarely regress spontaneously.

Hypertrophic Scarring

Exaggerated tissue scarring characterized by excess collagen that remains raised within the original wound boundaries.

Skin Turgor

The ability of skin to recoil when pinched and released, which decreases during states of dehydration.

Contracture

Excessive shrinkage of new extracellular matrix during remodeling, resulting in motion restriction across joints, muscle, skin, or internal organs.