Which of the following occurs during the inflammatory phase of healing?

• A. Proliferation of fibroblasts and collagen deposition
• B. Formation of a mature scar
• C. Remodeling of tissue architecture
• D. Vasodilation and increased capillary permeability

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the phases of wound healing: The process of wound healing is divided into three main phases: the inflammatory phase, the proliferative phase, and the remodeling (or maturation) phase. Each phase has distinct cellular and molecular events.
2. Focus on the inflammatory phase: This phase occurs immediately after injury and lasts for about 2-5 days. It is characterized by the body's initial response to injury, aiming to prevent infection and prepare the wound for healing.
3. Identify key events in the inflammatory phase: During this phase, vasodilation occurs, which increases blood flow to the injured area. This is accompanied by increased capillary permeability, allowing immune cells, nutrients, and clotting factors to move into the tissue to combat pathogens and initiate repair.
4. Differentiate the inflammatory phase from other phases: The proliferative phase involves fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition, while the remodeling phase focuses on tissue architecture and scar maturation. These events occur later in the healing process, not during the inflammatory phase.
5. Conclude that vasodilation and increased capillary permeability are hallmark features of the inflammatory phase, as they facilitate the delivery of essential components to the injury site for initial repair and defense.