Cathode is typically designed to do the following:

Cathode is typically designed to do the following:

• A. Increase blood flow
• B. Softens skin
• C. Penetrate alkaline solutions into the skin
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

The cathode is the negative electrode used in galvanic current, and what happens at the skin side is an alkaline reaction. When current flows, hydroxide ions (OH−) are produced at the cathode, creating a more alkaline environment in the treated area. That alkalinity softens and loosens the superficial skin layers, which increases the skin’s permeability. Because of this, alkaline solutions placed under the cathode are driven into the deeper layers more effectively. In addition, the electrical current itself can stimulate a local vascular response, producing mild vasodilation and increased blood flow to the area, which helps perfusion during treatment. So, the cathode can brighten skin permeability to alkaline products, soften the tissue, and promote increased local blood flow—all three effects happening with the cathode.

The cathode is the negative electrode used in galvanic current, and what happens at the skin side is an alkaline reaction. When current flows, hydroxide ions (OH−) are produced at the cathode, creating a more alkaline environment in the treated area. That alkalinity softens and loosens the superficial skin layers, which increases the skin’s permeability. Because of this, alkaline solutions placed under the cathode are driven into the deeper layers more effectively.

In addition, the electrical current itself can stimulate a local vascular response, producing mild vasodilation and increased blood flow to the area, which helps perfusion during treatment.

So, the cathode can brighten skin permeability to alkaline products, soften the tissue, and promote increased local blood flow—all three effects happening with the cathode.