Texas Medical Assistant Certification Practice Test

During which phase does scab formation occur in wound healing?

1. Inflammation phase

2. Proliferation phase

3. Contraction phase

4. Maturation phase

The correct answer is: Proliferation phase

Scab formation occurs during the proliferation phase of wound healing. This phase is characterized by the body's efforts to rebuild the tissue that has been injured. After the initial inflammatory phase, where the body responds to the injury, the proliferation phase begins around three to five days post-injury. During this time, new tissue is generated, which includes the formation of new blood vessels and collagen matrix. When a wound occurs, it triggers a cascade of biological responses, ultimately leading to the formation of a scab. The scab itself is composed of dried blood and tissue fluid, serving as a protective barrier over the wound while the underlying tissue heals. This protective scab prevents further infection and fluid loss, as well as providing a surface for new cells to grow beneath it. The other phases of wound healing — inflammation, contraction, and maturation — involve different processes. The inflammation phase primarily involves the body's defense mechanisms fighting off pathogens and providing a clean environment for healing. The contraction phase is when the wound edges begin to draw together, and the maturation phase focuses on the remodeling of the tissue to increase strength over time. Therefore, the correct response identifies the stage where scabs form as part of the overall healing process.