Wound Healing and Wound Care

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to wound healing and wound care.

Hemostasis

The process that prevents and stops bleeding.

Inflammation Phase

The phase of wound healing characterized by redness, heat, and swelling.

Proliferation Phase

The phase of wound healing where new tissues are formed.

Maturation Phase

The phase of wound healing where the wound undergoes remodeling.

Re-epithelialization

The process of new epithelial cells migrating across the wound.

Growth factors

Polypeptides produced in normal and wounded tissue that stimulate cellular functions.

Wound contraction

The process where a wound area decreases due to myofibroblast activity.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

A heritable connective tissue disorder affecting collagen formation.

Marfan Syndrome

A disorder caused by mutation in the FBN1 gene affecting connective tissue.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta

A genetic disorder characterized by brittle bones due to collagen defect.

Epidermolysis Bullosa

A group of disorders causing skin blistering due to defective anchoring.

Acrodermatitis Enteropathica

A disorder characterized by zinc malabsorption leading to impaired healing.

Gastrointestinal Tract Healing

Heals differently compared to skin due to multiple tissue layers.

Soft Callus Stage

The period in bone healing where soft tissue forms a bridge between fractures.

Hard Callus Stage

The stage in bone healing where mineralization occurs in the callus.

Collagen I

The primary type of collagen found in skin, bone, and tendons.

Collagen III

A type of collagen found in skin and blood vessels.

Fibrin

A protein that forms the fibrous mesh that clots blood.

Fibroblast

A cell that synthesizes collagen and other extracellular matrix components.

Macrophage

A type of white blood cell pivotal in the inflammatory response.

Angiogenesis

The process of new blood vessel formation.

Cytokines

Signaling proteins that mediate and regulate immunity and inflammation.

Proteoglycans

Molecules that provide structural support and fill space in tissues.

TGF-β

Transforming Growth Factor Beta, a key regulator in wound healing.

VEGF

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, important for blood vessel formation.

PDGF

Platelet-Derived Growth Factor, crucial for cell growth and healing.

ICAM

Intercellular Adhesion Molecule, aids in cell signaling and attachment.

Hematoma

A localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels.

Dehiscence

The reopening of a wound that has previously healed.

Fistula

An abnormal connection between two hollow organs.

Stricture

An abnormal narrowing of a duct or passage.

Keloid

An abnormal scar formation that extends beyond the injury site.

Hypertrophic Scar

A raised scar that remains within the boundaries of the original wound.

Chronic wound

A wound that fails to follow the normal healing process.

Excessive healing

Abnormal healing characterized by scar formation or contracture.

Non-absorbable sutures

Sutures that need to be removed after a set duration.

Absorbable sutures

Sutures that dissolve naturally in the body over time.

Monofilament sutures

Sutures made of a single strand, causing less tissue reaction.

Multifilament sutures

Sutures made of multiple strands, offering greater strength but higher tissue reaction.

Suture removal time for scalp

7-10 days post-surgery.

Suture removal time for face

4-5 days post-surgery.

Mechanical strength of a scar

Gradually increases but never reaches full strength of original tissue.

Local wound environment

The condition surrounding a wound that influences healing.

Nutritional status

A crucial factor affecting a patient's ability to heal.

Infection's impact on healing

Infection can delay healing and weaken collagen structure.

Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF)

A hormone that plays a role in cellular growth and development.

Epithelial Growth Factor (EGF)

A growth factor that stimulates cell growth and differentiation.

Polymorphonuclear cells

A type of white blood cell that is a primary responder in inflammation.

Macrophage role in healing

Triggers the release of growth factors necessary for healing.

Extracellular matrix (ECM)

A network of proteins that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells.

Zinc's role in collagen synthesis

Serves as a cofactor for various enzymatic processes during collagen production.

Vitamin C's role in healing

Important for hydroxylation in collagen synthesis.

Healing in bone vs. cartilage

Bone can heal better than cartilage due to its vascular supply.

Effects of oxygen on collagen synthesis

Oxygen is essential for hydroxylation, affecting collagen strength.

Cytokine signaling in inflammation

Cytokines act as messengers to direct immune responses during healing.

Myofibroblasts

Cells that contribute to wound contraction and closure.

Maturation and Remodeling phase

The final stage of healing where the wound matures and strengthens.

Scar remodeling duration

Scar remodeling can continue for 6-12 months post-injury.

Primary intention healing

Wound healing that occurs with direct closure of the edges.

Secondary intention healing

Wound healing by granulation tissue formation without surgical closure.

Healing factors in tendon

Tendons can regenerate significantly due to tenocyte activity.

Healing phases

Includes hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and maturation.

Hematoma's role in bone healing

Serve as a scaffold for new tissue formation during healing.

Factors affecting wound healing

Include ischemia, infection, and nutritional status.

Local care in wound management

Includes irrigation to remove debris and promote healing.

Split-thickness skin graft

A surgical procedure involving skin layers for tissue coverage.

Wound irrigation solutions

Hydrogen peroxide and iodine are used as antiseptics.

Bactericidal vs. Bacteriostatic

Bactericidal kills bacteria; bacteriostatic prevents their growth.

Types of dressings

Include absorbent, non-adherent, occlusive, hydrophilic, and medicated dressings.

Bioengineered skin substitutes

Synthetic alternatives for skin replacement in wound care.

Hematoma evacuation

A necessary procedure to remove localized blood that can impede healing.

Wound monitoring

Essential for assessing healing progress and absence of complications.

Factors influencing scar formation

Include the extent of the injury and the individual’s healing capacity.

Chronic wound types

Includes diabetic ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, and pressure ulcers.

Differentiating chronic wounds

Recognizing venous stasis vs. arterial insufficiency aids in treatment.

Enzymatic degradation of matrix

Collagenase acts early in the healing process to breakdown collagen.

Wound strength recovery

Strength recovery varies depending on tissue type and healing conditions.