What is a key characteristic of the inflammatory phase of wound healing?

The inflammatory phase of wound healing is crucial as it sets the stage for the subsequent phases of healing. During this initial phase, which typically lasts from the moment of injury for several days, the body's immune response is activated. Key characteristics of this phase include the following:

• There is an immediate vascular response characterized by vasodilation and an increase in blood flow to the affected area. This brings a variety of immune cells, including neutrophils and macrophages, to the site of injury, which are essential for the clearance of debris and pathogens.

• Although collagen production typically occurs more prominently in later phases of healing, such as the proliferative phase, the inflammatory phase does lay the groundwork for future collagen synthesis by activating fibroblasts and encouraging the eventual formation of granulation tissue.

• Granulation tissue formation begins in the inflammatory phase as macrophages secrete growth factors and cytokines that stimulate angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) and the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts, leading to the development of granulation tissue.

• While increased tensile strength is a characteristic of the later remodeling phase of wound healing, the inflammatory phase is vital for setting up conditions that will ultimately lead to improved tensile strength once healing progresses.

Collectively, each of