Which processes characterize the first phase of wound healing?

• A. Neovascularization
• B. Inflammation with macrophages
• C. Vasoconstriction, platelet aggregation, and fibrin formation
• D. Epithelialization

Answer: (C)

Immediately after an injury, the body focuses on stopping the bleed. Blood vessels constrict to reduce flow, platelets stick to exposed surfaces and aggregate to form a plug, and the coagulation cascade builds a fibrin clot. This clot seals the wound and provides a provisional matrix that anchors inflammatory cells and growth factors, setting the stage for healing. While inflammation begins soon after, and macrophages play a key role, those events belong to the next phase. Neovascularization and epithelialization happen later during the proliferative phase, not the initial hemostatic response. So the processes of vasoconstriction, platelet aggregation, and fibrin formation best describe the first phase of wound healing.