What is the first phase of wound healing?

• A. Inflammation
• B. Proliferation
• C. Remodeling
• D. Coagulation

Answer: (A)

The initial response to injury is inflammation, which starts the healing process by clearing debris and defending against infection so new tissue can form. Right after the wound occurs, chemical signals cause blood vessels to widen and become more permeable, bringing immune cells to the area. Neutrophils arrive first to engulf bacteria and debris, then macrophages take over to clean up remaining material and release growth factors that recruit fibroblasts and new blood vessels. This immune activity sets up the environment needed for the next phase, where tissue is rebuilt through proliferation (granulation tissue formation, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition). Coagulation happens at injury onset to stop bleeding, but the phase that begins the repair sequence and coordinates the downstream rebuilding is inflammation, which is why it’s identified as the first phase.