How do severed capillaries get re-joined on their own after an injury?

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In summary, when a person gets an injury and the skin is ruptured, the cut is typically stitched and treated with antibacterial ointment and medicine to prevent infection. The body has the amazing ability to re-connect severed capillaries, arteries, and tissues on its own. This process is aided by the growth of new capillaries and arteries and the atrophy of dead ends. In cases of major destruction, such as in cancer surgery, the body can also sometimes reconnect lymphatic ducts. However, in cases of infection, the healing process may be altered and result in defective healing. Overall, living organisms have the inherent ability to repair and make fixes to themselves, making them more like intelligent biological machines.
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PainterGuy
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Hi,

When a person gets an injury and the skin gets ruptured. The cut is only stitched and some antibacterial ointment and medicine is given so that the infection doesn't develop and the wound can heal properly.

When skin is injured; suppose a person receives a deep cut. There is so much under the skin. There are capillaries network and arteries which supply blood to the cells. There are tissues which bind the skin together and so much more. But they only put the stiches on and the skin or human body knows on its own how to re-connect the severed capillaries and arteries, and the tissues etc. together again. I find this quite amazing. Even when a pipe is broken, one first needs to align the broken parts and then put on some glue to fix it!Could you please elaborate on it a little?

I apologize for making it so informal and possibly quite incorrect but it's been years since I read biology! Thanks for your help, in advance!
 
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The small stuff simply re-grows. All the time. Even bone.

Life and living organisms ain't no machine. :smile:

The readaption isn't necessary, unless the severed stuff is either a major nerve or a major lymphatic vessel, an artery of more than a few mm diameter, or a big-ish vein.. Those should and normally will be reconnected whenever possible.

When there's a dearth of blood, cells secrete paracrine hormones that lead to capillaries growing there. And when capillaries have to funnel too much blood, they grow bigger, becoming arterioles, Or minor arteries, etc. etc. And the now-dead-ends atrophy.

But even in the case of major destruction - e.g. a complete axillar dissection, or the removal of a complete lymph node for biopsy, both of which happen not-so-rarely in cancer surgery - the lymphatic ducts will often eventually reconnect. Not always, but amazingly often. If they don't the distal part will have to be treated (i.e. bandaged, or with a compression sleeve or stocking) to prevent lymphatic edema.

In the OP the (skin) cuts are made along existing featureless zones, where no relevant structures are, and hence none will be destroyed. In internal organs those structures are used, too, where existent and possible.

On the nitpicky side: I do hope your surgeon does more than "just stitch it" when the need is there. Typically in the case of ragged cuts, there should be some debridement, too. Also, the infection prevention not only is necessary to prevent the infection itself, but also is relevant for good healing per primam intentionem. If an infection occurs, that is given priority, and defective healing will be caused: The granulocytes will form a palisade against the infected area, attract fibroblasts which then, under the influence of the granulocytes' paracrine hormones, will surround it with cartilagineous tissue. Best observable in an abscess.

HTH
 
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Godot_ said:
Life and living organisms ain't no machine.

Thanks a lot for a very informative answer. So, it's good to know that living organisms are are more of intelligent biological machines with the inherent ability to repair and make fixes to themselves on their own! :smile:
 
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I don't think they will ever "rejoin". Your body just makes new capillaries as need during the healing process. This sort of thing is happening all the time.
 
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FAQ: How do severed capillaries get re-joined on their own after an injury?

1. How do severed capillaries re-join on their own after an injury?

When a capillary is severed, the body's natural healing process begins. The damaged blood vessel constricts to reduce blood flow, and platelets rush to the site of the injury to form a plug and stop any bleeding. Then, specialized cells called fibroblasts produce a protein called collagen, which helps to create a temporary scaffold around the injured area. This scaffold allows new capillaries to grow and connect with the existing ones, restoring blood flow to the affected area.

2. Can severed capillaries always re-join on their own?

In most cases, yes. Our bodies have a remarkable ability to heal and repair themselves, including re-joining severed capillaries. However, in cases of severe injury or damage to surrounding tissues, medical intervention may be necessary to help the capillaries re-join and restore proper blood flow.

3. How long does it take for severed capillaries to re-join on their own?

The time it takes for severed capillaries to re-join can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the individual's overall health. In general, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for the capillaries to fully re-join and restore blood flow to the affected area.

4. What happens if severed capillaries do not re-join on their own?

If the capillaries do not re-join on their own, it can lead to a lack of blood flow and oxygen to the affected area, potentially causing tissue damage or even death. In these cases, medical intervention may be necessary to repair or replace the damaged capillaries and restore proper blood flow.

5. Are there any ways to promote the re-joining of severed capillaries?

Yes, there are certain steps that can be taken to promote the re-joining of severed capillaries. These include keeping the injured area clean and protected, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle to support the body's natural healing processes, and seeking medical treatment if necessary. Physical therapy and certain medications may also be recommended to aid in the healing process.

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