What does the term "necrosis" refer to in wound healing?

The term "necrosis" specifically refers to the death of body tissue. This process can occur due to various factors such as lack of blood flow, infection, or injury. In the context of wound healing, necrosis can hinder the healing process and lead to complications, as dead tissue cannot contribute to recovery and may become a source of infection or other issues.

Understanding necrosis is crucial in the management of wounds because it often necessitates interventions such as debridement to remove dead tissue, thereby promoting a more conducive environment for healing. The presence of necrotic tissue in a wound can indicate that the area is not healing properly, which can significantly affect the overall outcome.

In contrast, the other options describe different processes related to wound healing and do not accurately define necrosis. Healing of a superficial layer of skin pertains to regeneration, infection involves bacterial activity affecting tissues, and the formation of new blood vessels is known as angiogenesis, which is a vital part of the healing process but fundamentally different from necrosis.