Question

How does a skin graft derive its nutrition on day 3?

• A. Plasma imbibition
• B. Inosculation
• C. Neovascularization
• D. None

Hint:

Inosculation is critical in the early stages after skin grafting, as it establishes blood supply between the graft and the recipient tissue.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

On day 3 after a skin graft, the primary source of nutrition is derived through a process known as inosculation. This is a critical phase in skin grafting, which involves the connection of capillaries from the graft with the recipient site's capillaries. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:

• Initial Days (Days 1-2): Plasma Imbibition - Initially, the graft survives by absorbing nutrients directly from the wound bed through a process called plasma imbibition. This helps the graft remain hydrated and partially nourished.
• Subsequent Days (Around Day 3): Inosculation - By the third day, a new phase begins where the capillaries from the recipient site and the graft start to physically connect. This is the direct inosculation process, effectively allowing the graft to derive its nutrient supply directly from the host’s blood circulation.
• Later Stages: Neovascularization - Eventually, new blood vessels form in a process known as neovascularization, ensuring long-term survival and integration of the graft.

Thus, inosculation is the correct mechanism for nutrition on day 3.