Which activities characterize the proliferative phase of soft tissue healing?

• A. Hemostasis and inflammatory cell influx
• B. Collagen realignment and scar maturation
• C. Fibroplasia, collagen deposition, and angiogenesis
• D. Wound contraction and epithelialization

Answer: (C)

The proliferative phase is when the wound is rebuilt with new tissue. Fibroblasts move into the area and start producing collagen and other extracellular matrix components, a process called fibroplasia. At the same time, new blood vessels form to supply the growing tissue, known as angiogenesis. These activities create granulation tissue and establish a foundation of connective tissue that fills the wound and supports epithelial cells as they migrate to cover the surface. Wound contraction can occur as the tissue heals, and epithelialization helps restore the surface lining, but the defining combination during this phase is fibroplasia, collagen deposition, and angiogenesis. Inflammation is more characteristic of the earlier phase, and remodeling/scar maturation comes later, so the emphasized processes here best capture the proliferative stage.