AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

During which phase of wound healing does collagen synthesis occur?

1. Inflammatory phase

2. Proliferative phase

3. Maturation phase

4. Hemostasis phase

The correct answer is: Proliferative phase

Collagen synthesis is a crucial process that occurs primarily during the proliferative phase of wound healing. This phase follows the inflammatory phase and is characterized by the formation of granulation tissue, where fibroblasts play a key role in producing collagen, which is essential for the structural integrity of the healing tissue. During this phase, new blood vessels (angiogenesis) are formed, and the wound begins to contract as myofibroblasts pull the edges of the wound together. The increased collagen production helps to provide strength to the newly formed tissues and contributes to the overall healing process by bridging the wound gap. In contrast, the inflammatory phase focuses on controlling bleeding and preventing infection, while the maturation phase, which follows the proliferative phase, involves the remodeling of collagen fibers to enhance the strength and functionality of the scar tissue. The hemostasis phase occurs immediately after an injury, concentrating on stopping the bleeding through clot formation, and does not involve collagen synthesis. Understanding these distinct phases highlights the significance of the proliferative phase as the period where collagen is synthesized to promote healing.