Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Practice Exam

Which structures of the skin are capable of regeneration?

1. Stratum corneum and reticular dermis

2. Epidermis and parts of the dermis

3. Epidermal appendages and subcutaneous tissue

4. Stratum granulosum and muscle

The correct answer is: Epidermis and parts of the dermis

The epidermis and parts of the dermis are capable of regeneration, making this the correct answer. The epidermis, being the outermost layer of the skin, is composed of rapidly proliferating cells. When the epidermis is injured or removed, it can regenerate efficiently through the process of keratinocyte proliferation and migration from the surrounding intact areas. Additionally, parts of the dermis, particularly the papillary dermis, can also regenerate to some extent after injury. While the reticular dermis has more structural fibers and less cellularity, some fibroblasts remain that can contribute to healing and regeneration. In contrast, the stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis and acts as a protective barrier; it undergoes constant turnover but does not regenerate in the same manner as the deeper layers. The reticular dermis, while it can heal, does not regenerate in the sense of replacing itself entirely following significant injury. Epidermal appendages, such as hair follicles and sweat glands, have regenerative capabilities but are distinct from the main layers of the epidermis and dermis. Subcutaneous tissue primarily consists of fat and connective tissue, which does not regenerate in the same manner as the epidermis and derm