Which phase of wound healing occurs immediately after injury?

Which phase of wound healing occurs immediately after injury?

• A. Hemostasis
• B. Inflammation
• C. Proliferation
• D. Maturation

Answer: (A)

The first response after injury is to stop bleeding through hemostasis. This phase involves rapid vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and aggregation, and activation of the coagulation cascade to form a fibrin clot that seals the wound and provides a temporary matrix for healing signals. The clot not only prevents further blood loss and helps limit infection, but it also releases growth factors that help recruit inflammatory cells to begin cleanup and set the stage for later repair. Inflammation, proliferation, and maturation occur after this initial stabilization, as new tissue forms, fills the wound, and is remodeled over time.

The first response after injury is to stop bleeding through hemostasis. This phase involves rapid vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and aggregation, and activation of the coagulation cascade to form a fibrin clot that seals the wound and provides a temporary matrix for healing signals. The clot not only prevents further blood loss and helps limit infection, but it also releases growth factors that help recruit inflammatory cells to begin cleanup and set the stage for later repair. Inflammation, proliferation, and maturation occur after this initial stabilization, as new tissue forms, fills the wound, and is remodeled over time.