Premium
A scanning electron microscope study of the effects of uniaxial tension on human skin
Author(s) -
BROWN IAN A.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1973.tb02993.x
Subject(s) - scanning electron microscope , materials science , library science , medicine , computer science , composite material
SUMMARY The effect of progressive extension on the structure of human skin has been studied by scanning electron microscopy. Varying degrees of strain were imposed on abdominal skin specimens by a carefully controlled mechanical testing technique. Progressive straining has a two‐stage effect on the epidermis: initial extension pulls it into a flat layer, and further extension elongates the cells. The dermal fibres reorientate, straighten, become aligned and compacted, in response to increasing strain. The onset of these changes varies through the thickness of the dermis. The efFects of strain on hair follicles, glands and fat cells are described. The structural deformations are related to the mechanical behaviour of the skin, and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.