Which of the following are the four phases of wound healing?

The four phases of wound healing are hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Understanding each phase is essential in the context of skin integrity and wound healing.

Hemostasis is the initial phase that occurs immediately after injury, where the body attempts to stop bleeding through clot formation and the constriction of blood vessels. This phase is crucial as it lays the groundwork for the subsequent phases by stabilizing the area of injury and preventing further blood loss.

Following hemostasis, the inflammation phase begins. This phase lasts several days and is characterized by the body's response to injury, which includes the activation of immune responses to prevent infection. Inflammation is vital as it allows the body to clear out debris and pathogens, setting the stage for tissue repair.

The proliferation phase follows and typically lasts from a few days to several weeks. During this phase, new tissues are formed, particularly granulation tissue, which provides a framework for the replacement of lost or damaged tissue. This phase also involves angiogenesis (development of new blood vessels), collagen deposition, and epithelial cell migration, all of which are essential for wound closure and healing.

Lastly, the remodeling phase, often referred to as maturation, can last for months to years. During this period, the newly formed tissue becomes