In the remodeling phase, what occurs to stabilize and restore the injury site?

In the remodeling phase, what occurs to stabilize and restore the injury site?

• A. Wound contraction is well under way, and Type III collagen is converted to Type I collagen.
• B. Fibroblasts proliferate and granulation tissue forms.
• C. Acute inflammation intensifies.
• D. A-delta fibers become predominant.

Answer: (A)

Remodeling phase strengthens and stabilizes the scar by reorganizing collagen and reducing the wound’s vascularity. As healing progresses, Type III collagen laid down earlier is gradually replaced with stronger Type I collagen, and the newly formed fibers realign along tension lines, increasing tensile strength. Wound edges also contract as myofibroblasts pull them inward, helping restore structure and function over time. This fits the sequence of healing: the proliferative phase builds granulation tissue with fibroblasts and new vessels, while remodeling shifts to collagen maturation and contraction. The other options describe processes more characteristic of earlier phases or unrelated neural changes—acute inflammation intensifies there, and A-delta fibers aren’t the drivers of tissue stabilization.

Remodeling phase strengthens and stabilizes the scar by reorganizing collagen and reducing the wound’s vascularity. As healing progresses, Type III collagen laid down earlier is gradually replaced with stronger Type I collagen, and the newly formed fibers realign along tension lines, increasing tensile strength. Wound edges also contract as myofibroblasts pull them inward, helping restore structure and function over time.

This fits the sequence of healing: the proliferative phase builds granulation tissue with fibroblasts and new vessels, while remodeling shifts to collagen maturation and contraction. The other options describe processes more characteristic of earlier phases or unrelated neural changes—acute inflammation intensifies there, and A-delta fibers aren’t the drivers of tissue stabilization.