In older adults, which skin layers thin?

Prepare for the Holistic Nursing Exam 2 with our comprehensive quiz. Dive into flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations to enhance understanding and get exam-ready!

Multiple Choice

In older adults, which skin layers thin?

Explanation:
Aging skin shows thinning mainly in the supporting layers beneath the outer surface. The dermis loses collagen and elastin, becoming thinner and weaker, while the subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) atrophies with age, reducing fat padding under the skin. Together, these changes make older skin more fragile and prone to injury because there’s less structural support and cushioning. The epidermis can also thin, but the combination of dermal thinning and loss of subcutaneous fat best explains why older adults’ skin is described as thinning in the layers that provide depth and padding.

Aging skin shows thinning mainly in the supporting layers beneath the outer surface. The dermis loses collagen and elastin, becoming thinner and weaker, while the subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) atrophies with age, reducing fat padding under the skin. Together, these changes make older skin more fragile and prone to injury because there’s less structural support and cushioning. The epidermis can also thin, but the combination of dermal thinning and loss of subcutaneous fat best explains why older adults’ skin is described as thinning in the layers that provide depth and padding.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy