BASIC SCIENCE: Wound Healing
The definition of a wound is a pathological
state in which tissue becomes separated, or separated and
destroyed. The event results in loss of body substance and
an associated function impairment.
The definition of wound healing is the closure of
the defect by scar-forming supporting tissue. The process is
epithelial regeneration which restores the form and
functions of the damaged area. All body tissue except for
the teeth can heal wounds.
The initial response is vascular. A fresh wound bleeds.
Damaged vessels undergo physiological changes. This vascular
response involves the following events:
- Vasoconstriction
- Vasodilation
- Increased Vessel Wall
Permeability
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Bleeding in a fresh wound cleanses the site.
The leaking blood washes away some of the
invading foreign material.
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Blood platelets release thromboxan
A2, causing vasoconstriction.
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During vasoconstriction, vessels turn inward
and narrow. Lasting only a few minutes,
vasoconstriction lasts long enough for blood
clots to seal the leaking blood.
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Go to Wound Healing: Vascular Response
page 2
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