The blood vessels of the skin

Abstract

During the last 25 years, cutaneous biologists have been particularly interested in abnormal cutaneous vascular patterns, the profusion of capillary anastomoses, the leakiness of venules, clotting, fibrinolysis, and blood viscosity. As a result, the effects of hypoxia and the factors that encourage new vessel proliferation are better understood than before. Only when the biologic behavior of the two extremes of growth from hypoplasia to hyperplasia is studied and compared can the blood supply of a tissue be understood. Hyperplastic tissues are seen in wounds, psoriasis, cancer, and in selected sites of chronic stasis and hypoxia where the vessels are extremely permeable, where blood cells easily escape, and where lymphatics dilate and proliferate. The proliferation of other tissues, such as endothelium, epithelium, mast cells, and probably of locally infective organisms, is also encouraged in hyperplasia. Moreover, fibrinolysis does not occur and fibrin is deposited, the electrostatic charge on the internal vascular surface becomes more positive, and the organ is more vulnerable to subsequent injury. Atrophic or hypoplastic tissues have a reduced cellular turnover and are less hypoxic. The vessels are less permeable, blood cells do not escape, there is only a slight tendency to clot, and fibrinolysis is often increased. Lymphatics are sparse and infection is not a feature. The electrostatic charge on the internal surface of the vessel is negative.