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Inflammation And Wound Healing
Study Questions
Practice Exercise 1
Which of the following is the primary role of macrophages during the proliferative phase of wound healing?
Explanation
Secreting growth factors that stimulate angiogenesis and collagen synthesis is the primary role of macrophages during the proliferative phase. In this phase, macrophages shift from primarily phagocytic activity (in the inflammatory phase) to a reparative role, releasing cytokines and growth factors such as VEGF and TGF-β, which promote new blood vessel formation and stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen for tissue repair.
Rationale for correct answer:
3. Secreting growth factors: Macrophages act as key regulators of wound healing by promoting angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, and extracellular matrix production, all critical for granulation tissue formation.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
1. Initiating vasoconstriction: This is the role of platelets and vascular smooth muscle during the hemostasis phase, not the proliferative phase.
2. Phagocytizing bacteria and debris: This is the main macrophage role in the inflammatory phase, though some clearance may continue early in the proliferative stage.
4. Producing histamine: Histamine release comes mainly from mast cells and basophils during the early inflammatory response, not from macrophages in the proliferative phase.
Take home points:
- The proliferative phase focuses on tissue rebuilding, not just inflammation control.
- Macrophages transition from “clean-up crew” to “construction managers,” directing fibroblasts and endothelial cells.
- Growth factors from macrophages are essential for angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and granulation tissue formation.
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Introduction
- Inflammation is the body's immediate response to injury or infection, aiming to eliminate the initial cause of cell injury, clear out necrotic cells and tissues, and establish a repair process.
- Wound healing is a complex process that restores tissue integrity after injury, involving multiple overlapping phases.
- Inflammation is the body's immediate response to injury or infection, aiming to eliminate the initial cause of cell injury, clear out necrotic cells and tissues, and establish a repair process.
- Wound healing is a complex process that restores tissue integrity after injury, involving multiple overlapping phases.
The Inflammatory Response
Purpose and Function
- Neutralizes and dilutes the injurious agent.
- Removes necrotic materials.
- Establishes an environment suitable for healing and repair.
Vascular Response
- Vasodilation increases blood flow to the injured area.
- Increased capillary permeability allows plasma proteins and leukocytes to migrate into the tissue.
- Chemical mediators like histamine and prostaglandins contribute to these changes.
Cellular Response
- Neutrophils arrive first to phagocytize pathogens and debris.
- Monocytes follow, transforming into macrophages that continue phagocytosis and release growth factors.
- Lymphocytes may also be involved in immune responses.
Exudate Formation
- Serous exudate: clear, watery plasma.
- Purulent exudate: thick, yellow-green, indicating infection.
- Hemorrhagic exudate: contains blood, indicating severe tissue injury.
Systemic Manifestations
- Fever, leukocytosis, malaise, and increased heart rate are common systemic signs.
Wound Healing Processes
Types of Wound Healing
- Primary Intention
- Edges are approximated (e.g., surgical incision).
- Minimal tissue loss and scarring.
- Secondary Intention
- Wound edges not approximated.
- Greater tissue loss; healing occurs by granulation.
- Tertiary Intention
- Delayed primary closure due to infection or contamination.
Phases of Wound Healing
- Hemostasis
- Immediate vasoconstriction and clot formation.
- Inflammatory Phase
- Lasts 3–5 days.
- Characterized by redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function.
- Proliferative Phase
- Lasts 5–21 days.
- Fibroblasts produce collagen; granulation tissue forms.
- Maturation (Remodeling) Phase
- Can last months.
- Collagen is remodeled; tensile strength increases.
Factors Affecting Wound Healing
Local Factors
- Infection delays healing.
- Necrotic tissue impedes granulation.
- Oxygenation is essential for collagen synthesis.
Systemic Factors
- Age: Older adults may have delayed healing.
- Nutrition: Protein, vitamin C, and zinc are vital.
- Chronic diseases: Diabetes impairs circulation and immune response.
- Medications: Steroids can suppress inflammation.
Complications of Wound Healing
- Dehiscence: Separation of wound edges.
- Evisceration: Protrusion of internal organs.
- Infection: Signs include redness, warmth, swelling, and purulent drainage.
- Hypertrophic scars and keloids: Excessive collagen formation.
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