During which phase does granulation tissue form, angiogenesis, and epithelialization occur?

During which phase does granulation tissue form, angiogenesis, and epithelialization occur?

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

Answer: (C)

During the proliferative phase, the wound is rebuilt rather than just cleaned up. Granulation tissue forms as fibroblasts lay down collagen and extracellular matrix, filling and priming the wound bed. New blood vessels sprout into this tissue in a process called angiogenesis, restoring blood supply essential for healing. Epithelial cells at the wound edges proliferate and migrate across the moist surface to re-cover the wound with a new epithelial layer. These coordinated activities move the tissue from a damaged to a restored state and set the stage for the later remodeling phase. This phase typically follows the initial inflammatory response and precedes maturation/remodeling.