What happens to collagen density during the proliferative phase of ligament healing?

What happens to collagen density during the proliferative phase of ligament healing?

• A. The collagen density increases significantly
• B. The collagen density remains low
• C. The collagen density becomes irregular
• D. The collagen density decreases

Answer: (B)

During the proliferative phase of ligament healing, the correct understanding is that collagen density significantly increases. This phase typically occurs shortly after the initial inflammation and is characterized by the formation of new tissue. In this phase, fibroblasts proliferate and synthesize collagen, leading to a substantial increase in collagen content. This collagen forms the foundation for supporting the healing ligament and enhancing its tensile strength. As the healing progresses, the collagen fibers become more organized, contributing further to the strength and stability of the tissue. A misunderstanding in identifying this phase could focus on the initial low levels of collagen seen immediately after injury; however, as healing advances into the proliferative phase, significant deposition occurs, leading to increased collagen density. Such an increase is essential for restoring function and stability to the ligamentous structure compromised by the injury.

During the proliferative phase of ligament healing, the correct understanding is that collagen density significantly increases. This phase typically occurs shortly after the initial inflammation and is characterized by the formation of new tissue.

In this phase, fibroblasts proliferate and synthesize collagen, leading to a substantial increase in collagen content. This collagen forms the foundation for supporting the healing ligament and enhancing its tensile strength. As the healing progresses, the collagen fibers become more organized, contributing further to the strength and stability of the tissue.

A misunderstanding in identifying this phase could focus on the initial low levels of collagen seen immediately after injury; however, as healing advances into the proliferative phase, significant deposition occurs, leading to increased collagen density. Such an increase is essential for restoring function and stability to the ligamentous structure compromised by the injury.