TENSION LINES OR LINES OF CLEAVAGE
• In the skin it indicates the
predominant direction of underlying
collagen fibers in the dermis
• Collagen fibers tend to run
longitudinally in the head and limbs
Circumferentially in the neck and the
trunk
• Incisions made parallel to the lines of
cleavage do not gape and heal leaving a
fine minimal scar. Whereas incisions
made across these lines result in gaping
wounds and thick scar formation
• Deep to dermis is the hypodermis or superficial fascia composed mainly of
adipose tissue. It is not a part of the skin, and it anchors skin to underlying organs
• In the skin it indicates the
predominant direction of underlying
collagen fibers in the dermis
• Collagen fibers tend to run
longitudinally in the head and limbs
Circumferentially in the neck and the
trunk
• Incisions made parallel to the lines of
cleavage do not gape and heal leaving a
fine minimal scar. Whereas incisions
made across these lines result in gaping
wounds and thick scar formation
• Deep to dermis is the hypodermis or superficial fascia composed mainly of
adipose tissue. It is not a part of the skin, and it anchors skin to underlying organs
