In the inflammatory phase of wound healing, which sequence of events is correct?

In the inflammatory phase of wound healing, which sequence of events is correct?

• A. Fibroblast migration, collagen deposition, epithelialization
• B. Epithelial migration across wound bed
• C. Hemostasis occurs after granulation
• D. Vasoconstriction, platelet aggregation, and fibrin deposition

Answer: (D)

The key idea is the sequence of events that starts the wound healing process. Right after injury, the body first stops the bleeding to set the stage for healing. Blood vessels constrict to reduce blood loss, then platelets gather at the injury site and clump together. As platelets activate, they release signals that promote coagulation, and a fibrin mesh forms to stabilize the clot. This clot not only seals the wound but also provides a scaffold for inflammatory cells to enter and begin clean-up and defense activities. This sequence—vasoconstriction, platelet aggregation, and fibrin deposition—is what defines the inflammatory phase’s initial hemostatic event. The other sequences describe processes that occur later. Fibroblast migration, collagen deposition, and epithelialization are part of the proliferative phase where rebuilding and resurfacing of tissue happen. Epithelial migration across the wound bed is specifically a step in epithelialization, also later in healing. Hemostasis is the immediate response at injury and happens before granulation tissue forms; granulation tissue arises during the proliferative phase, not after hemostasis.

The key idea is the sequence of events that starts the wound healing process. Right after injury, the body first stops the bleeding to set the stage for healing. Blood vessels constrict to reduce blood loss, then platelets gather at the injury site and clump together. As platelets activate, they release signals that promote coagulation, and a fibrin mesh forms to stabilize the clot. This clot not only seals the wound but also provides a scaffold for inflammatory cells to enter and begin clean-up and defense activities. This sequence—vasoconstriction, platelet aggregation, and fibrin deposition—is what defines the inflammatory phase’s initial hemostatic event.

The other sequences describe processes that occur later. Fibroblast migration, collagen deposition, and epithelialization are part of the proliferative phase where rebuilding and resurfacing of tissue happen. Epithelial migration across the wound bed is specifically a step in epithelialization, also later in healing. Hemostasis is the immediate response at injury and happens before granulation tissue forms; granulation tissue arises during the proliferative phase, not after hemostasis.