Which burn depth may involve epidermis, dermis, and partial muscular tissue?

• A. First degree burn
• B. Second degree burn
• C. Third degree burn
• D. Fourth degree burn

Answer: (C)

Understanding burn depth helps map which tissues are damaged. First-degree burns affect only the epidermis. Second-degree burns involve the epidermis and parts of the dermis, often with blistering. A burn that reaches through the epidermis and dermis and extends into partial muscle tissue indicates a deeper, full-thickness injury with involvement of underlying tissues but not necessarily bone. That level of depth aligns with a third-degree burn. Fourth-degree burns would go even deeper, into muscle and bone. So the description of involving epidermis, dermis, and partial muscular tissue fits third-degree burn.