What role does collagen play in wound healing?

Collagen plays a crucial role in wound healing primarily by providing structural support and strength to the healing tissue. As a major component of the extracellular matrix, collagen forms a scaffold that helps to stabilize the tissue, facilitating the repair process. During the healing phases, especially in the proliferative phase, collagen synthesis increases significantly, contributing to the formation of granulation tissue and the eventual formation of scar tissue.

This structural function is vital because it helps to restore the integrity of the skin or tissue, allowing it to withstand normal mechanical stresses once healed. While other cellular and molecular processes, such as inflammation and infection control, are essential in the healing process, it is the collagen that primarily ensures that the tissue is reinforced and able to regain its functional capacity.