The Role of the Connective Tissue Matrix in Wound Healing: Fibroblast and Collagen Interactions

Abstract

The damage and loss of skin initiates the repair process. In traumas in which there is only superficial loss of the epidermal surface, such as occurs in minor sunburn, the repair process is limited to regeneration of a new epidermal surface. The regeneration of the epidermis results from the migration and proliferation of epidermal cells residing in subepidermal appendages beneath the surface. The resurfacing of the injury site is rapid and complete with no structural changes occurring to the underlying dermis.