What is the second phase of tissue healing?

• A. Inflammatory phase
• B. Proliferative phase (2 days to 2 weeks)
• C. Remodeling phase
• D. Maturation phase

Answer: (B)

The second phase is the proliferative phase, where the wound is rebuilt with new tissue. In this period, fibroblasts migrate into the wound and produce collagen and other extracellular matrix, forming granulation tissue. New blood vessels grow to supply the area (angiogenesis), which helps nourish the developing tissue. Epithelial cells at the wound edge proliferate and migrate across the surface to re-epithelialize the wound, and myofibroblasts contribute to wound contraction, reducing size. This combination fills the defect and establishes a foundation for strength, though the tissue is still relatively weak compared with its original state. The proliferative phase generally begins a couple of days after injury and lasts about two weeks, aligning with the timeframe often cited for this stage. After this comes remodeling, where collagen is reorganized and the tissue gradually gains tensile strength over a longer period.