Tissue Integ pre-work

Vocabulary flashcards related to skin structure, function, and wound healing.

Skin

The body’s largest organ, impacting physical and psychological well-being.

Epidermis

The top layer of skin, with no blood supply and renews itself every 4 to 6 weeks.

Dermis

The middle layer of skin providing strength and elasticity, containing a vascular system.

Subcutaneous layer

The bottom layer of skin, consisting of adipose tissue, providing cushioning and insulation.

Functions of the skin

Regulation of heat, sensation, vitamin D production, toxin regulation, protection, and self-image.

Wound classification

System used to categorize wounds based on skin integrity, cause, depth, and contamination.

Open wound

A wound where the skin is broken, such as cuts or punctures.

Closed wound

A wound where the skin remains intact, such as bruises.

Superficial wound

A wound affecting only the epidermis.

Partial-thickness wound

A wound extending through the epidermis to the dermis.

Full-thickness wound

A wound that affects all layers of the skin and may involve deeper structures.

Clean wound

A wound with no infection and minimal risk of infection.

Contaminated wound

A wound with a high risk of infection due to breaches in sterile procedures.

Healing stages

The process of repairing tissue, including inflammatory, proliferative, and maturation/remodeling phases.

Inflammatory phase

The initial response to a wound, characterized by bleeding and clot formation.

Proliferative phase

The stage of wound healing where new tissue forms to fill the wound.

Maturation phase

The final healing phase where collagen is reorganized, strengthening the tissue.

Aging effects on skin

Thinning, loss of elasticity, and reduced regenerative ability of the skin with age.

Nutrition's effect on healing

Adequate nutrition, especially protein and vitamins, is crucial for skin repair.

Perfusion

Blood flow that delivers oxygen and nutrients to skin. Poor perfusion can lead to skin deterioration.

Moisture and skin integrity

Balanced moisture is important; excess can damage skin, while lack can cause cracks.

Diabetes impact on skin

Can cause vascular changes, impair healing, and increase infection risk.

Smoking effects on skin

Decreases oxygen delivery and contributes to skin aging and damage.

Ultraviolet light

Can induce skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Friction

Rubbing against an object that can damage the skin surface.

Shear

Forces that act on the skin that can cause blood vessel damage.

Tertiary intention healing

Wound healing process where the wound is left open initially to allow drainage.

Suspected deep tissue injury

Areas with discolored intact skin, indicating possible deep tissue damage.

Dehiscence

Partial or complete separation of tissue layers after a surgical wound.

Evisceration

Total separation allowing internal organs to protrude through a wound.

Colonized wound

Presence of microorganisms on a wound without clinical signs of infection.

Antibiotics

Medications that help fight infections, impacting wound healing positively.

Steroids

Medications that can inhibit the inflammatory process, affecting healing negatively.

Hemorrhage

Internal or external bleeding that can impede wound healing.

Cytokines

Signaling molecules that play a role in cell communication during healing.

Macrophages

Immune cells involved in cleaning wounds and facilitating healing.

Granulation tissue

New tissue formed during the proliferative phase of wound healing.

Eschar

Necrotic tissue that may need to be removed before staging a wound.

Clinical signs of infection

Includes warmth, redness, increased drainage, or pus in a wound.

Fibroblasts

Cells that produce collagen and other substances essential for wound healing.

Electrolyte imbalance

An alteration in electrolyte levels due to fluid loss from wounds.

Photosensitivity

Increased skin sensitivity to sunlight due to certain medications.

Collagen production

The process of forming collagen, vital for skin strength and repair.

Tissue death

The result of prolonged ischemia or insufficient blood supply to an area.