Principles And Stages Of Wound Healing

Question 1

What are the 3 stages of wound healing?

Answer 1

1. Inflammation
2. Proliferation
3. Maturation

Question 2

Explain inflammation in wound healing

Answer 2

Within the first few hours the wound surface becomes inflamed, a blood clot and cell debris fill the gap between them.

Question 3

Explain proliferation in wound healing

Answer 3

1. Epithelial cells cover the wound. The epidermis meet and grow upwards until full thickness is restored.
2. The clot above the new tissue becomes the scab.
3. Granulation tissue, consisting of new capillary buds, phagocytes and fibroblasts develop and invade the clot, restoring blood supply to the wound.
4. Fibroblasts continue to secrete collagen fibres as the clot & bacteria are removed by phagocytosis . When granulation tissue reaches the dermis, epithelial cells at the edges proliferate and grow towards the.centre

Question 4

Explain maturation in wound healing

Answer 4

1. The granulation tissue is gradually replaced by fibrous scar tissue.
2. Rearrangement of collagen fibres occurs & the strength of the wound increases. In time the scar becomes less vascular.
3. During fibrosis scar tissue replaces granulation tissue, usually over several months until the full thickness of skin is restored.

Scar tissue is shiny, no sweat glands, hair follicles or sebaceous glands.