Physiology: Wound Healing

Question 1

Define primary intention

Answer 1

The healing that occurs when a clean laceration or a surgical incision is closed primarily with stitches, leading to rapid healing

Question 2

Define secondary intension

Answer 2

The healing used for wounds too tight to stitch, or areas where direct closure would cause significant distortion of surrounding tissue

The sides of the wound are not opposed, therefore healing must occur from the bottom of the wound upwards

Question 3

In wound healing, which cells lay down the matrix and contract the wound?

Answer 3

Fibroblasts (process is fibroplasia)

Question 4

In wound healing, which cells develop into new blood vessels (angiogenesis)?

Answer 4

Endothelial cells

Question 5

In wound healing, once a scar is formed, which cells lay down collagen to strengthen the scar and restore the normal dermal matrix?

Answer 5

Fibroblasts

Question 6

How long must a wound be present for to be classified as a chronic wound?

Answer 6

> 6 weeks

Question 7

What is slough?

Answer 7

Mixture of dead cells, polymorphs and bacteria found on chronic wounds

Question 8

Why should slough be removed from chronic wounds?

Answer 8

Slough has inhibitory effects on the healing ability of the would

Question 9

What is eschar?

Answer 9

Blackened dead tissue seen in deep opened pressure sores and other deep open wounds e.g. severe burns