Phases of Tissue Healing in Week 1 are characterized by what?

• A. Cellular stage; healing stage; collagen fibers are weak and fragile.
• B. Fibroplasia with increased collagen production.
• C. Consolidation with stronger collagen.
• D. Maturation of collagen fibers.

Answer: (A)

In the first week of tissue healing, the key activity is the inflammatory response with substantial cellular involvement. Neutrophils and macrophages are at the site, clearing debris and pathogens and releasing signaling molecules that set the stage for later healing. During this early phase, collagen synthesis has just begun, and the fibers laid down are immature, thin, and poorly organized, so the developing tissue is mechanically weak. This is why the description emphasizes a cellular/inflammatory stage with collagen fibers that are weak and fragile.

The other possibilities point to later stages: the proliferative phase involves fibroplasia and increased collagen deposition as new tissue is formed; subsequent consolidation reflects stronger, more organized collagen; and maturation of collagen refers to remodeling and cross-linking that increase tensile strength.