Introduction

Healing Wounds - 3 to 7 days:

Primary:

During this time macrophages replace the neutrophils and granulation tissue progressively invades below the epithelial layer. Collagen fibres are formed but they are weak and poorly orientated and as such do not bridge the wound. By day five neovascularization is maximal and the collagen fibres become more abundant and begin to bridge the wound. The epidermis recovers its normal thickness and surface keratinisation occurs.

Secondary:

Although the same progression of events takes place the time span over which it occurs is longer. Infection of the wound may delay this process indefinitely until it is resolved.

Primary Intention

Secondary Intention

Granulation Tissue

Review Questions

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