Wou Wound Healing Research Paper

Wound healing is the process of replacing or repairing damaged or devitalized cellular components and tissue. There are four recognized stages including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and maturation or remodeling. These phases are widely overlapping and interconnected.

The first stage, hemostasis begins immediately after injury. Platelets consolidate around the site and cytokines, hormones and and chemokines are released into the surrounding area. Epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and thromboxane cause vasoconstriction, or the tightening of muscle cells to constrict blood vessels. This process helps limit further blood loss. The activated platelets attach to exposed collagen and release growth factors and proteases. The chemokines
The blood vessels are then able to dilate to increase blood flow and expose the site to necessary inflammatory and immune cells. Dead or badly damaged tissue is removed. It is common to experience swelling, heat, and redness during this phase. Importantly, neutrophils, macrophages and lymphocytes are activated and accumulate in the injured site. Macrophages are essential to the removal of dead tissue and bacteria. They release collagen, elastin, and growth factors to encourage the proliferation of muscle cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts. Neutrophils aid in the necrotic tissue and bacterial removal process but are not essential to wound healing. Lymphocytes, particularly T-lymphocytes, are responsible for releasing additional growth factors and antibody
The process involves the re-growth of granulation tissue made from extracellular matrix and collagen. It is imperative during this phase that the wounded area receives enough nutrients and oxygen from the blood vessels. Actin microfilaments allow epidermal cells to migrate over and around the damaged site. A particularly important cell, the keratinocyte, helps restore the vascular network and close the wound. Once the exterior layer is sealed, plasmin is released to break down the previously formed clots. The epithelial cells are allowed to reform linkages with the surrounding area. The process of epithelialization is improved if the wounded area is kept moist and hydrated. Collagen production is critical for forming necessary cross-links and interactions with fibronectin. Angiogenesis or the production of new blood vessels is a major contributor to the success of wound healing. If the new vessels become unnecessary after the healing process is complete, they are removed through apoptosis. The process of proliferation also includes the contraction of tissue in order to close and seal the wound site. This is largely dependent on myofibroblast