Which of the following is NOT a feature of the remodeling phase?

Which of the following is NOT a feature of the remodeling phase?

• A. Wound contraction is well under way
• B. Type III collagen is converted to Type I collagen
• C. Debris removal is ongoing
• D. Stabilization of the injury site

Answer: (C)

Remodeling is about maturation and strengthening of the scar. The collagen framework is reorganized so fibers align along lines of stress, Type III collagen is gradually replaced by Type I, and cross-linking increases the tissue’s tensile strength. Wound contraction continues as the scar matures, helping reduce size and stabilize the area as the tissue gains stability and becomes more resilient. Debris removal, on the other hand, is predominantly a feature of the inflammatory and early proliferative phases when immune cells and phagocytes clear dead cells and debris. By remodeling, debris clearance has largely completed, so ongoing debris removal is not characteristic of this phase.

Remodeling is about maturation and strengthening of the scar. The collagen framework is reorganized so fibers align along lines of stress, Type III collagen is gradually replaced by Type I, and cross-linking increases the tissue’s tensile strength. Wound contraction continues as the scar matures, helping reduce size and stabilize the area as the tissue gains stability and becomes more resilient.

Debris removal, on the other hand, is predominantly a feature of the inflammatory and early proliferative phases when immune cells and phagocytes clear dead cells and debris. By remodeling, debris clearance has largely completed, so ongoing debris removal is not characteristic of this phase.