Which statement best describes secondary intention in wound healing?

The statement that describes secondary intention in wound healing accurately indicates that the wound remains open and heals through granulation and contraction. In secondary intention, the healing process involves the formation of new tissue (granulation tissue) and the gradual contraction of the wound edges. This method of healing is typically observed in larger or more complicated wounds that cannot be closed directly or sutured, such as pressure ulcers or surgical wounds that become infected.

The process takes longer than primary intention, which involves suturing the wound edges together. During healing by secondary intention, the body must work harder to close the wound, which can result in more noticeable scarring as the tissue regenerates. The granulation tissue fills the wound space, followed by epithelialization, where skin cells migrate across the new tissue to re-establish a barrier. This process emphasizes the body's natural healing capabilities without direct closure of the wound.