Question

Which tissue layer(s) is (are) affected by partial thickness burns?

Epidermis
Dermis
Subcutaneous
Muscle
A) 1, 2, 3, and 4
B) 1 and 2
C) 1, 2, and 3
D) 1

Answer 1

Partial thickness burns involve the epidermis and dermis but do not affect the subcutaneous tissue, muscle, or bone. The correct answer is B) 1 and 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

Partial thickness burns affect the first two layers of the skin: the epidermis and the dermis. A second-degree burn is an example of a partial thickness burn, which not only damages the outermost layer, the epidermis, but also affects a portion of the underlying dermis, resulting in swelling and blistering. However, partial thickness burns do not extend to the subcutaneous tissue or further to muscle or bone. Therefore, the correct answer to which tissue layers are affected by partial thickness burns is B) 1 and 2, which refer to the epidermis and dermis.