Section IX. SUPERFICIAL WOUND HEALING
3-35. INTRODUCTION
A wound of the integument creates an opening. This opening is an avenue for
infection and water loss.
3-36. RELATIONSHIP WITH SPLIT LINES
A wound crossing the split lines of the dermis tends to gape open. A wound
parallel to the split lines closes easily. For this reason, when a surgeon can choose an
incision, he tends to follow the split lines.
3-37. HEALING
A wound is healed by the reuniting of the margins. This is accomplished by the
3-38. SCARRING
Scars result from the healing process. In some human groups (for example,
Orientals), scars can become quite large and are called keloids. For all groups, the scar
(cicatrix) is much less prominent for wounds that parallel the split lines.
Section X. GENERAL ADAPTATIONS FOR GRASPING/HOLDING
3-39. INTRODUCTION
The hands grasp or hold onto things. The soles of the feet provide a nonslipping
contact with the ground. For these reasons, frictional forces are maximized in the palms
of the hands and the soles of the feet. This is accomplished by several adaptations of
the coverings of the body in these areas.
3-40. ADAPTATIONS
These adaptations are described below:
a. The epidermis and dermis are quite thickened in these areas.
b. These two areas are hairless (glabrous).
c. The dermal papillae holding the dermis and epidermis together are increased
in number and size.
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