During Weeks 2-4, what occurs in tissue healing?

• A. Increase in collagen production; high collagen synthesis/remodeling; possible adhesion formation.
• B. Maturation stage.
• C. Consolidation.
• D. Cellular stage.

Answer: (A)

Weeks 2–4 fall in the proliferative phase of tissue healing, when fibroblasts are actively synthesizing extracellular matrix and collagen. During this window there is a surge in collagen production and remodeling, with early laid-down collagen (often type III) being organized and strengthened over time. This process can lead to scar tissue formation and, if excess collagen bridges between surfaces, adhesions may occur. The tissue is gaining more structural integrity, but it is not yet at full strength.

Maturation happens later, as the newly deposited collagen is reorganized and cross-linked to increase tensile strength. Consolidation is a term more commonly used in bone healing, not soft tissue healing, and the cellular stage refers to the inflammatory cell activity seen early on.