Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

How does injured skin restore itself to normal thickness?

1. Through increased blood circulation

2. Through a hyperproduction of cells and bloodclotting ability

3. Through decreased cell death

4. Through the production of more collagen

The correct answer is: Through a hyperproduction of cells and bloodclotting ability

Injured skin restores itself to normal thickness primarily through a hyperproduction of cells and an enhanced blood clotting ability. When skin experiences injury, the body initiates a healing response that involves the proliferation of various cell types, particularly fibroblasts and keratinocytes. This increase in cell production is crucial as it helps to replace damaged cells and restore the skin's integrity and structure. Additionally, blood clotting plays a vital role in the healing process. It provides an essential scaffold for incoming cells and minimizes blood loss. Clot formation also releases growth factors that further stimulate cell growth and the repair process. As new cells form and migrate to the site of injury, the skin gradually regains its original thickness and resilience. While other options touch on relevant aspects of skin healing, they do not capture the primary mechanisms driving the restoration of thickness as effectively. For instance, increased blood circulation aids in delivering nutrients and oxygen, but it is not the direct cause of thickness restoration. Similarly, decreased cell death can contribute to overall health but is not the primary action in restoring the integrity of the skin post-injury. The production of collagen is essential for skin structure and strength, yet it functions more as part of the later stages of tissue remodeling rather than the immediate