What happens during the maturation/remodeling phase?

What happens during the maturation/remodeling phase?

• A. Formation of a fibrin clot
• B. Synthesis and lysis of collagen by collagenase (making and breaking down repeatedly)
• C. Epithelialization continues
• D. Angiogenesis continues

Answer: (B)

During the maturation/remodeling phase, the wound gains strength through organized collagen remodeling. Fibroblasts keep making collagen, but the tissue is also actively breaking down older or excess collagen with collagenases. This synthesis-and-degradation cycle allows collagen fibers to realign along the directions of mechanical stress, increase cross-links, and gradually replace weaker type III collagen with stronger type I collagen. Over weeks to months, this remodeling boosts tensile strength, though often not back to pre-injury levels. Fibrin clot formation is part of the initial inflammatory response, not remodeling. Epithelialization and new blood vessel formation occur mainly in the proliferative phase, whereas remodeling emphasizes collagen turnover and realignment.

During the maturation/remodeling phase, the wound gains strength through organized collagen remodeling. Fibroblasts keep making collagen, but the tissue is also actively breaking down older or excess collagen with collagenases. This synthesis-and-degradation cycle allows collagen fibers to realign along the directions of mechanical stress, increase cross-links, and gradually replace weaker type III collagen with stronger type I collagen. Over weeks to months, this remodeling boosts tensile strength, though often not back to pre-injury levels.

Fibrin clot formation is part of the initial inflammatory response, not remodeling. Epithelialization and new blood vessel formation occur mainly in the proliferative phase, whereas remodeling emphasizes collagen turnover and realignment.