Subcutaneous tissue has several functions. It stores fat, regulates body temperature and absorbs shock. It also helps connect skin layers to bones and muscles. The size of adipocytes varies by sex.
Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe, life-threatening infection of the subcutaneous tissue and fascia caused by various aerobic and anaerobic bacteria (Fig. 9). US can stage the local spread of inflammation and identify causative factors such as foreign bodies.
It stores fat
The subcutaneous layer of skin stores fat and helps the body regulate its temperature. It also protects the bones and muscles from shock by padding them with specialized connective tissue. It also supports the function of blood 대전피부과 vessels, lymphatic vessels and nerves that pass through it to reach the dermis. It is a key component of thermoregulation and a reserve source of energy.
It consists of a network of septa and fat lobules that vary by location on the body. These septa anchor adipocytes into firm positions, which are supported by parallel arrangements of fibrous tissues. The septa also contain regenerative cells that can revert to stem cells, which help the body to repair itself. These regenerative cells are known as adipose-derived stromal cells, or ADSCs.
Adipose tissue is found throughout the body as subcutaneous fat, packed around internal organs (visceral fat), between muscles and in bone marrow. Its location determines its function and growth properties. For example, fat cells that store energy in the fat pads of the feet have firm fibrous septa, whereas those in the abdomen are loose. In addition, WAT secretes hormones that help the body control metabolism and inflammation.
The subcutaneous layer is a critical part of the body’s immune system, and it protects against many medical conditions. However, it is susceptible to damage from various causes, including burns and surgery. Burns are classified acc 대전피부과 ording to the depth of penetration into the subcutaneous layer. If the tissue is damaged, it may swell or develop abscesses, which are areas of pus under the skin.
It regulates body temperature
Subcutaneous tissue is an important layer of skin that protects the body from cold temperatures, acts as a cushion and absorbs shock from blunt trauma. It also stores fat that provides a reserve source of energy.
The term “subcutaneous” derives from the Latin word subcutaneous, meaning under the skin, and “fascia” is Greek for connective tissue. This layer sits directly beneath the dermis and connects the skin to muscles, bones, and other underlying tissues. It consists of loose fibrous connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. It also houses the deeper adnexal structures such as hair follicles, and deep pressure sensors (Ruffini and Paccinian corpuscles).
It regulates body temperature by insulating the skin from the environment, and adjusting the internal core body temperature to match the surrounding environment. This function is crucial to survival in the cold, as it prevents the blood from flowing away from warmer areas of the body into cooler ones.
In the event of a traumatic injury, foreign bodies can get trapped in the subcutaneous layer. These can include plant fragments (wood splinters and thorns), metal, and glass. The presence of a foreign body may lead to inflammation, granuloma formation, secondary soft-tissue infection and abscess formation. The subcutaneous tissue can also be damaged by prolonged pressure, such as from lying in bed or using a wheelchair. This can cause pressure ulcers, which are also called bedsores.
It absorbs shock
The subcutaneous tissue also helps to cushion the body and absorb shock from blunt trauma. It is essential for protecting bones, muscles and organs from physical damage. It also regulates the temperature of the body by insulating against cold temperatures. Its rich triglyceride stores provide a reserve source of energy. Its connective tissue septa facilitate movement and support dense blood vessel and nerve networks.
It is important to understand how the subcutaneous tissue works so that you can recognize and treat medical conditions affecting it. The subcutaneous tissue is a layer of fat and connective tissue beneath the skin. It is also referred to as the superficial fascia, subcutis, or hypodermis. It contains loose connective tissue and fat and can extend up to 3 cm in the abdominal region. Its blood vessels and nerves are different from those found in the dermis. It possesses specialized corpuscular receptors that detect touch and vibration, including Meisser’s and Pacinian corpuscles. Its adipose tissues are a major site for fat storage.
Injections are commonly administered into the subcutaneous tissue to deliver medications such as insulin. This method of injection is often preferred because it allows the medication to be absorbed by the body more quickly than through the bloodstream. Occasionally, however, people who have frequent subcutaneous injections may develop abscesses in the tissue that can be difficult to remove. This problem is usually caused by injecting in the same location each time and can be avoided by varying the injection sites.
It protects the inner organs
Like a medieval knight’s armor, your subcutaneous tissue is hardy and works around the clock to protect your bones and inner organs [source: WebMD]. The fat in this layer acts as an insulator, regulating the body’s internal temperature independent of the surrounding environment. It also absorbs shock to underlying structures.
Located just under the skin, it contains dense networks of blood vessels and nerves. The rich triglyceride stores provide energy and help to shape the external features of the body. The layer also supports movement and provides dense attachment to fascia or periosteum.
The subcutaneous tissue is a primary site of involvement in two types of lymphoma: cutaneous T-cell (non-Hodgkin) lymphoma and subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma. The former typically presents with a rash or plaque and progresses to cutaneous or peripheral lymphadenopathy and extracutaneous involvement, while the latter may present as subcutaneous nodules and panniculitis.
Damage to the subcutaneous layer can lead to abscesses, hematomas, pressure ulcers, and tumors. Hematomas are fluid collections within the subcutaneous layer that result from trauma or injury. Hemorrhages are associated with a decrease in vascular supply to the area and result in edema and fibrosis.