Texas Medical Assistant Certification Practice Test

In relation to wound healing, what is the contraction phase primarily about?

1. Formation of new tissue

2. Reduction in size of the wound

3. Scabbing over the wound

4. The inflammatory response

The correct answer is: Reduction in size of the wound

The contraction phase of wound healing is primarily characterized by the reduction in size of the wound. During this stage, specialized cells called myofibroblasts play a crucial role as they contract and pull the edges of the wound together, facilitating a decrease in the overall area that needs to heal. This process is essential for efficient healing as it helps to close the wound more quickly and reduces the risk of infection. While other phases of wound healing involve processes like the formation of new tissue, scabbing, or inflammatory responses, these elements are distinct from the contraction phase itself. The formation of new tissue occurs primarily in the proliferation phase, and scabbing is more related to the initial hemostatic response. The inflammatory response happens early on and sets the stage for subsequent healing phases. Thus, the correct understanding of the contraction phase being focused on the reduction in size of the wound underscores its importance in the healing process.