Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What does a myocutaneous flap consist of?

1. Only skin with no blood supply

2. A flap including muscle, blood supply, and skin layers

3. A flat patch of tissue without vascularization

4. Purely epidermal coverage

The correct answer is: A flap including muscle, blood supply, and skin layers

A myocutaneous flap is a surgical construct that comprises muscle, blood vessels, and skin. This type of flap is designed to transfer tissue from one area of the body to another while preserving vascular supply, which is critical for ensuring that the tissues remain viable and heal properly post-surgery. The inclusion of muscle provides bulk and support, while the overlying skin offers necessary coverage for the exposed area, making this complex structure especially useful in reconstructive surgeries. In contrast, options that mention only skin, tissue without vascularization, or purely epidermal coverage fail to recognize the essential components present in a myocutaneous flap. These options do not account for the muscle and vascular supply that are critical to the successful function and healing of the flap. Thus, understanding that a myocutaneous flap incorporates both muscle and skin along with their respective blood supply highlights its importance in surgical practices, particularly in reconstructive efforts.