PHYSIOLOGY OF WOUND
HEALING
When your skin is injured, a complex process
called wound healing begins. It involves different cells, tissues, and
biochemical signals working together to repair the damaged area.
INFLAMMATORY PHASE
The first stage is called the inflammatory phase, which begins
immediately after the injury and can last up to a week. This phase is
characterized by the release of chemicals that cause blood vessels to dilate
and white blood cells to move into the wound. The white blood cells help to
remove any bacteria or debris from the injury site.
PROLIFERATIVE PHASE
The second stage is called the proliferative phase, which can last
up to three weeks. During this phase, the body produces new blood vessels to
supply the wound with oxygen and nutrients. Fibroblasts, which are cells that
produce collagen, are also activated to help rebuild the damaged tissue. The
wound begins to close, and new tissue starts to grow.
MATURATION OR REMODELLING PHASE
The final stage is called the maturation or remodeling phase,
which can last for up to two years. During this phase, the new tissue becomes
stronger and more flexible, and the wound becomes less noticeable. The collagen
fibers reorganize, and the scar tissue matures.
Overall, wound healing is a complex process that involves many
different steps and cell types. It is important to keep the wound clean and
protected to promote proper healing. If you have a wound that is not healing
properly, it is important to seek medical attention.
Flow chart on the physiology of wound healing:
Img.copied
1.
Wound occurrence
2.
Hemostasis (blood
clotting)
3.
Inflammatory phase
·
Release of inflammatory
mediators (histamine, cytokines, and chemokines)
·
Migration of immune
cells (neutrophils and macrophages)
·
Removal of debris and
bacteria
·
Granulation tissue
formation
·
Angiogenesis (formation
of new blood vessels)
·
Epithelialization
(formation of new skin)
·
Formation of
extracellular matrix (ECM)
·
Fibroblast proliferation
and collagen synthesis
·
Collagen remodeling and
cross-linking
·
Scar formation
·
Increased tensile
strength of the wound.
Explanation of the flow chart:
The physiology of wound healing is a complex process that involves
various stages, starting from the occurrence of the wound to its closure. The
first stage in wound healing is hemostasis, which is the process of blood
clotting to stop bleeding. Once the bleeding stops, the inflammatory phase
begins.
During the inflammatory phase, various inflammatory mediators such
as histamine, cytokines, and chemokines are released, leading to the migration
of immune cells such as neutrophils and macrophages to the site of injury.
These immune cells remove debris and bacteria, preparing the wound for the next
phase.
The proliferative phase is characterized by the formation of
granulation tissue, angiogenesis, epithelialization, and the formation of
extracellular matrix (ECM). Fibroblasts proliferate and synthesize collagen,
which provides the tensile strength required for wound closure.
The final stage of wound healing is the remodeling phase, where
the newly synthesized collagen undergoes remodeling and cross-linking, leading
to the formation of a scar. The scar tissue has increased tensile strength,
which is necessary for wound closure and tissue repair.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, wound healing is a complex process that involves
various stages, including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and
remodeling, leading to wound closure and tissue repair.
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