Wound Healing — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModeratePhysiologyWound HealingMFDS Part 1

Seven days after an uncomplicated dental extraction, histological examination of tissue from the socket shows numerous capillary buds, proliferating fibroblasts and loose extracellular matrix replacing the initial fibrin clot. Which phase of wound healing is predominant?

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Correct answer: D — Proliferative phase

The predominant stage is the proliferative phase. Its characteristic processes include angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, extracellular-matrix deposition, granulation tissue formation and re-epithelialisation. The capillary buds and fibroblast-rich tissue replacing the fibrin clot are therefore decisive. Haemostasis and coagulation occur immediately after injury and produce the platelet-fibrin clot. The inflammatory phase is dominated by neutrophils and macrophages clearing microorganisms and damaged tissue. During remodelling, collagen is reorganised, cellularity and vascularity decline, and the immature granulation tissue matures into scar tissue. These phases overlap biologically, so timing alone is not definitive; the histological features identify proliferation.

Reference: Wilkinson HN, Hardman MJ. Wound healing: cellular mechanisms and pathological outcomes. Open Biology. 2020;10(9):200223. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32993416/