[Regional differences in capillary density of children's skin--an enzyme histochemical and stereological study].

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the capillary distribution characteristics of the human skin.

Method: The alkaline phosphatase enzyme histochemical and stereological methods were used to measure the length density (Lv) of capillaries of normal skin. One hundred and twenty specimens were taken from 20 different sites in 6 children cadavers.

Result: The results showed: 1. The capillary Lv of the human skin varied with the body region. Statistically significantly (P < 0.01) greater capillary Lv was found in the head-face/neck region both in the papillary and reticular dermis than in the other parts of the body (excluding palm and sole). The smallest dermal capillary Lv was noted in the lower limb. 2. Statistically significantly (P < 0.001) higher capillary Lv was found in the papillary dermis than in the reticular dermis.

Conclusion: The study confirms the regional and laminal differences in capillary density of the normal human skin, and it demonstrates more accurately rich blood supply in the head-face/neck region, which supports the hypothesis that longer random-pattern skin flaps can be safely raised in the head-face/neck than in other parts of the body.