During the proliferative phase, which process occurs last?

• A. Synthesis of collagen
• B. Mixing of collagen with granulation tissue
• C. Contraction of the wound
• D. Migration of the epithelial cells from the wound edges

Answer: (D)

In the proliferative phase, the wound bed is rebuilt with a collagen-rich matrix, granulation tissue forms with new blood vessels, and the wound begins to contract to shrink the opening. These steps are about laying down structure and reducing the gap, so the tissue is ready to be sealed. Re-epithelialization, the migration of epithelial cells from the wound edges to cover the surface, comes after the bed has been prepared and is the final step in closing the surface barrier. Therefore, migrating epithelial cells from the wound edges occur last among these processes.