Which term best describes the final phase where collagen fibers are mature and strong?

• A. Cellular stage
• B. Fibroplasia
• C. Consolidation
• D. Maturation

Answer: (D)

The final phase of healing is maturation, also called remodeling, where the collagen deposited earlier is reorganized and strengthened. During this stage, the initial collagen laid down is primarily type III, which is relatively weak, and is gradually replaced by stronger type I collagen. The fibers are realigned along lines of mechanical stress, cross-linked, and the scar tissue becomes more organized and less cellular. This remodeling increases tensile strength of the repaired tissue over time, though it usually reaches a level well below the strength of uninjured tissue and can take months to years.

Other terms describe earlier parts of healing. Fibroplasia refers to the proliferative phase dominated by fibroblast activity and collagen deposition. Cellular stage isn’t a standard descriptor for the final phase, and consolidation isn’t the term used for soft-tissue remodeling in this context.