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Question 383
Pathology → General
Classification
Question
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A healing wound has completed epithelial coverage, but its mechanical strength remains substantially below that of normal tissue. Which statement best explains the subsequent development of tensile strength?
Question Stem
Select the single best answer.
Options
A
Tensile strength is determined mainly by the density of inflammatory cells within the wound
B
Maximum tensile strength is achieved as soon as epithelial continuity is restored
C
Tensile strength depends on the amount and arrangement of collagen and continues to develop over several months
D
Tensile strength is determined predominantly by the number of newly formed capillaries
E
Collagen deposition ceases during the early phase of granulation tissue formation
Explanation
The tensile strength of a healing wound depends on both the amount and arrangement of collagen. Collagen accumulation continues during healing, reaching a maximum at approximately day 80, while development of wound strength continues over months.
Option Validity
A) Inflammatory cells are important in wound repair but are not the principal determinant of mature wound tensile strength.
B) Restoration of epithelial continuity occurs well before maximum mechanical strength is achieved.
D) Capillary proliferation is important in granulation tissue, but mature tensile strength depends predominantly on collagen.
E) Fibroblasts synthesize collagen during repair; collagen deposition does not cease at the onset of granulation tissue formation.
Further Reading
Saxena R. Textbook for MRCOG-1. Chapter 5: Pathology. General Pathology, pp.161–175.