Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Engineered Vascularized Muscle Flap
Published on: January 11, 2016
Structure and construction: the system of skin flaps
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Alten Eichen Hospital, Hamburg, Germany.
Abstract:
Studies done on the skin's blood circulation have also resulted in the development of new, more complex flaps. This complexity has made a standardized classification of flaps no longer possible. As a result of this, we have tried to analyze the inner system of flaps. This analysis has made a connection between the construction and the vascular structure of the flaps evident. Based on the fundamental construction and basic vascular structure, we are able to divide the flaps into three elementary types. All the complex flaps are composed of these three elementary types. This composition takes place in the form of a parallel connection or in the form of a sequential connection of the elementary types or both. To ensure the adequate blood supply of a flap, it is necessary to maintain the continuity of the elementary vascular patterns.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Tissue Membranes
Connective Tissue Membranes
The connective tissue membrane is formed solely from connective tissue. These membranes encapsulate organs, such as the kidneys, and line our movable joints. A synovial membrane is...
01:25Introduction to the Integumentary System
The skin, which is the primary organ of the integumentary system, consists of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue). The epidermis is the...
01:11Papillary Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
01:16Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair and Hair Follicles
Hair is a keratinous filament growing out of the epidermis. It is primarily made of dead, keratinized cells. Hair strands originate at the epidermal penetration called the hair follicle. The hair shaft is the part...
01:21Layers of the Epidermis
Stratum Basale
Stratum basale, also known as the stratum germinativum, is the deepest layer of the epidermis. It is composed of a single layer of actively dividing cells called basal cells or basal keratinocytes. These cells constantly undergo cell division to replenish the upper layers of the epidermis. Additionally, melanocytes, which...
01:15Reticular Dermis
Reticular Layer
Underlying the papillary layer is the much thicker reticular layer, composed of dense, irregular connective...