Which description best characterizes the remodeling phase of wound healing?

Which description best characterizes the remodeling phase of wound healing?

• A. Wound closure with scar maturation
• B. Debridement of necrotic tissue
• C. Peak inflammation
• D. New tissue formation with edema

Answer: (A)

The remodeling phase centers on scar maturation and strengthening the repaired tissue. In this stage, collagen laid down earlier is reorganized and replaced with stronger type I collagen, fibers align along the lines of mechanical stress, and cross-linking increases. The wound edges remain closed and the scar becomes more stable over time; edema and inflammatory activity wane as vascularity decreases. Tensile strength gradually rises but may never return to the original tissue level. This description fits wound closure with scar maturation. Other options describe earlier steps—debridement of necrotic tissue occurs during cleanup, peak inflammation is the inflammatory phase, and new tissue formation with edema reflects the proliferative/granulation phase.

The remodeling phase centers on scar maturation and strengthening the repaired tissue. In this stage, collagen laid down earlier is reorganized and replaced with stronger type I collagen, fibers align along the lines of mechanical stress, and cross-linking increases. The wound edges remain closed and the scar becomes more stable over time; edema and inflammatory activity wane as vascularity decreases. Tensile strength gradually rises but may never return to the original tissue level. This description fits wound closure with scar maturation. Other options describe earlier steps—debridement of necrotic tissue occurs during cleanup, peak inflammation is the inflammatory phase, and new tissue formation with edema reflects the proliferative/granulation phase.