Wound Healing and Wound Care – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering wound healing concepts including phases, mechanisms, wound characteristics, closure types, infection, and nutrition.

Wound

An injury to the body typically involving laceration or disruption of the skin and underlying tissues.

Wound Physiology

The biological processes by which tissue injury is repaired and healed.

Normal Wound Healing

An orderly repair process that progresses through defined healing phases.

Phases of Healing

The sequence: inflammation, proliferation, and maturation/remodeling that closes and repairs a wound.

Phase 1 – Inflammation

Initial wound phase with coagulation, hemostasis, cell necrosis, phagocytic cleanup, edema, and erythema; duration varies.

Coagulation

Activation of clotting factors and platelets to patch broken vessels and prevent bleeding.

Hemostasis

Balance in bodily functions that stops bleeding and maintains vascular integrity.

Edema

Accumulation of excess fluid in tissue due to increased vascular permeability during inflammation.

Erythema

Redness from increased blood flow to the injured area.

Phagocytic Activity

White blood cells clean up dead cells and invading microorganisms in the wound.

Phase 2 – Proliferation

Formation of new tissue and start of re-epithelialization; fibroblasts secrete collagen; about day 3–20.

Angiogenesis (Granulation Tissue)

Growth of new blood vessels forming granulation tissue that supplies nutrients to healing tissue.

Re-epithelialization

Migration and cover of the wound surface by epithelial cells to restore skin integrity.

Type I Collagen

Collagen type formed during maturation that provides structural support in the wound matrix.

Collagen Synthesis

Production of collagen to form the wound matrix; early strength is limited and protection from trauma is still needed.

Phase 3 – Maturation/Remodeling

Scar tissue forms and matures; tensile strength reaches about 15% of normal; remodeling can continue for years.

Tensile Strength

The resistance of healed tissue to tension; early scars have ~15% of normal strength.

Dermal Appendages

Sweat glands, sebaceous glands, hair follicles, and nerves; often not fully repaired in deep wounds.

Eschar

Necrotic tissue that is black in color; inhibits healing and may require debridement.

Wound Closure

Process of bringing wound edges together or healing by secondary processes.

Primary Intention

Wound edges are brought together (sutured, stapled, glued) for healing by tissue deposition.

Secondary Intention

Wound heals by contraction and epithelialization when edges are not approximated.

Tertiary Intention (Delayed Primary Closure)

Delayed closure after initial healing by secondary intention; edges are later approximated.

Tunneling

A wound tract that extends under the wound bed and away from the surface.

Undermining

Widening of the wound under the periwound tissue; measured by probing under the edges.

Wound Base

The wound bed where granulation tissue appears; pale base may indicate poor healing.

Periwound

Tissue surrounding the wound; can show edema, maceration, or induration.

Bio-burden

The bacterial load within a wound; higher burden can impede healing.

Healthy Scab

A dry, brown or dark-red scab that protects underlying tissue during healing.

Infected Scab

Scab with yellowish discharge indicating infection and active immune response.

Quantitative Biopsy

Gold-standard wound culture using a tissue specimen with bacterial count.

Swab Culture

Wound culture obtained with a cotton swab; less invasive than biopsy.

Signs of Infection

Changes in drainage, color, odor; warmth, swelling, pain, fever, malaise.

Osteomyelitis

Bone infection that can arise from wound infection; may require amputation.

Gangrene

Necrosis due to severely compromised blood supply; can be life-threatening.

Intrinsic Factors

Internal patient factors affecting healing: blood/oxygen supply, aging, comorbidities.

Extrinsic Factors

External influences on healing: medications, smoking, nutrition, infection, stress.

Radiation Therapy / Chemotherapy

Treatments that can impair healing by damaging healthy cells in the wound area.

Corticosteroids

Medications that can delay wound healing by reducing inflammation and collagen synthesis.

Smoking

Vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow; impairs wound healing.

Hydration

Adequate hydration reduces blood viscosity and improves tissue perfusion.

Malnutrition

Insufficient nutrients that hinder wound healing and immune function.

Iatrogenic Factors

Wounds or complications caused by medical care or procedures.

Moist Wound Healing

Principle of keeping the wound environment moist with appropriate dressings to promote healing.

Moisture Retentive Dressing

Dressing that maintains moisture and supports autolytic debridement.

Autolytic Debridement

Natural breakdown of necrotic tissue by the body's own enzymes in a moist environment.

Nutrients for Healing: Protein

Amino acids provide building blocks for tissue synthesis and strength.

Nutrients for Healing: Iron

Essential for red blood cell function and oxygen delivery to tissues.

Nutrients for Healing: Vitamin B12

Crucial for red blood cell production and oxygen transport to tissues.

Nutrients for Healing: Folic Acid

Supports red blood cell production and tissue repair.

Nutrients for Healing: Vitamin C

Supports collagen synthesis and wound repair.

Nutrients for Healing: Zinc

Important for tissue repair and immune function.

Nutrients for Healing: Vitamin A

Stimulates collagen cross-linking and wound healing.

Nutrients for Healing: Arginine

Enhances healing and immune function.

Perfusion

Flow of blood to tissues; essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients.

Oxygen in Wound Healing

Critical energy source for repair; low oxygen impairs healing and promotes infection.