Remodeling phase involves ongoing collagen remodeling and increasing tensile strength. This is most true of which phase?

Remodeling phase involves ongoing collagen remodeling and increasing tensile strength. This is most true of which phase?

• A. 1st phase
• B. 2nd phase
• C. 3rd phase
• D. 4th phase

Answer: (D)

Collagen remodeling and increasing tensile strength occur during the remodeling (maturation) phase of wound healing. After the initial inflammation and the proliferative phase lay down collagen, this final phase reorganizes the newly deposited fibers into thicker, more cross-linked type I collagen and aligns them along tension lines. That realignment and cross-linking progressively boosts the wound’s tensile strength over weeks to months, though it may never reach the full strength of uninjured tissue. As remodeling advances, scar vascularity decreases and the scar becomes firmer and more taut. This phase is the hallmark period when strength gains occur, so it best fits the statement about ongoing collagen remodeling and rising tensile strength.

Collagen remodeling and increasing tensile strength occur during the remodeling (maturation) phase of wound healing. After the initial inflammation and the proliferative phase lay down collagen, this final phase reorganizes the newly deposited fibers into thicker, more cross-linked type I collagen and aligns them along tension lines. That realignment and cross-linking progressively boosts the wound’s tensile strength over weeks to months, though it may never reach the full strength of uninjured tissue. As remodeling advances, scar vascularity decreases and the scar becomes firmer and more taut. This phase is the hallmark period when strength gains occur, so it best fits the statement about ongoing collagen remodeling and rising tensile strength.