Burn Injuries and Skin Anatomy

What is the typical color of a third-degree burn?

What is a characteristic of a first-degree burn?

What is the purpose of the 'Rule of Nines'?

What is a common symptom of a third-degree burn?

How long does a first-degree burn typically take to heal?

What is the estimated percentage of the body surface area burned if both legs, the groin, and the front chest and abdomen are burned?

What is the typical appearance of a second-degree burn?

What type of burn requires grafting?

What is the primary function of the skin in thermoregulation?

What is the main consequence of skin injuries that result in its loss?

What is the layer of skin that contains pigment to protect against UV radiation?

What is the main difference between 1st and 2nd degree burns?

What is the function of sweat glands in the skin?

What is the layer of skin that contains nerve endings and blood vessels?

Why is it often difficult to predict the exact depth of a burn in the acute phase?

What is the main function of the skin as a whole?

Skin Anatomy

The skin is the largest body organ, with functions that go beyond being a passive organ.
It protects underlying tissues from injury, regulates temperature, acts as a water-tight seal, and facilitates communication/sensation.

Skin Layers

The skin has two main layers: the epidermis and dermis.
The epidermis acts as a protection and forms a water-tight seal, and it also contains pigment to protect against UV radiation.
The dermis consists of tough, elastic connective tissue and contains specialized structures such as nerve endings, blood vessels, sweat glands, oil glands, and hair follicles.

Degree of Burn (Depth Classification)

Burns can be classified into three degrees based on their depth:
- 1st degree: superficial burn, involving only the epidermis, characterized by reddening, tenderness, and pain, but no blistering.
- 2nd degree: involves the epidermis and dermis, characterized by a moist, shiny appearance, and is the most painful.
- 3rd degree: involves the destruction of the epidermis and dermis, and extends into subcutaneous fat, characterized by a thick, dry, pearly gray or charred black color, and is painless due to destroyed nerve endings.

Assessing Body Surface Area Burnt

The "Rule of Nines" divides the body surface into areas of nine percent or multiples of nine percent, with the exception of the perineum, which is estimated at one percent.
This rule is used to estimate the percentage of burn and guide treatment decisions, including fluid resuscitation and transfer to a burn unit.
The rule is only applied to partial thickness (2nd degree) and full thickness (3rd degree) burns.
The percentage of burn can be calculated by using multiples of 9, with each body area assigned a percentage (e.g. arms, legs, chest, abdomen, etc.).

This quiz covers the basics of burn injuries and skin anatomy, including the functions of skin and the consequences of skin loss. Test your knowledge of skin injuries and their effects on the body.