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Correct Answer: zone of coagulation
jackson's thermal wound theory describes three distinct zones of injury in major thermal burns: the zone of coagulation, the zone of stasis, and the zone of hyperemia. each zone represents a different level of tissue damage resulting from exposure to a heat source.
the **zone of coagulation** is the area directly affected by the most intense heat and is thus subjected to the highest degree of thermal damage. this zone is characterized by irreversible tissue damage due to coagulation necrosis, where the intense heat denatures the structural proteins and enzymes within the cells, leading to cell death. the tissue in this zone is nonviable, meaning it has lost all potential for regeneration and cannot heal by itself. this area typically appears white or charred and is dry.
surrounding the zone of coagulation is the **zone of stasis**. this area is less severely affected by the heat but still suffers significant injury which can potentially progress to more severe damage or recovery depending on the post-burn care. the blood flow in this zone is reduced, which can lead to ischemia and tissue hypoxia, and eventually, if not treated properly, this area might also become necrotic.
the outermost zone, the **zone of hyperemia**, exhibits increased blood flow and inflammation but usually experiences minimal cell death. the increased blood flow is a response to the injury and is part of the body's natural healing process. this zone is marked by redness due to vasodilation and is typically where recovery occurs without permanent damage, as long as no further complications arise.
in summary, the correct answer to the question regarding the area in which coagulation necrosis of the cells has occurred, rendering the tissue nonviable, is the **zone of coagulation**. this zone has sustained the most direct and intense thermal damage, leading to the irreversible death of the affected cells and tissues.
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