Tech in Surgery Prep / Unit 3 TSC 067 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
How Tissue Heals
The idea
A wound heals through four overlapping phases: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and maturation.
In practice
Follow a surgical incision through them. First, hemostasis: vessels constrict and clotting stops the bleeding, and the clot forms a barrier against bacteria. Second, inflammation: vessels widen so white blood cells can reach the wound and clean it, which shows as swelling and redness. Third, proliferation, beginning within a few days: new epidermis covers the wound, fragile new tissue called granulation tissue fills it, new capillaries grow, collagen is laid down by cells called fibroblasts, and the wound contracts. Fourth, maturation: collagen keeps strengthening the wound, which often leaves a scar that softens and fades over time.
Where people slip
Healing is slower in older adults and in people with weakened defenses, and their infection risk is higher. A closed surgical incision heals by what is called primary intention, which unit twenty-six covers with the other ways wounds heal.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for Tech in Surgery Prep