During which phase is collagen finally matured into strong fibers?

• A. Weeks 5-10
• B. Week 1
• C. Weeks 10 and beyond
• D. Weeks 2-4

Answer: (C)

In healing, collagen starts being laid down early, then over time it is remodeled to become stronger. The key change happens during the remodeling phase, when collagen type III is gradually replaced by stronger type I and fibers are cross-linked and realigned along tension lines. This maturation process takes place over an extended period—weeks to months—and the tissue reaches its final strength well into the late remodeling stage. That’s why the setting of weeks 10 and beyond corresponds to collagen maturing into strong fibers. Early weeks involve deposition and initial organization, not final strength yet.