In which phase do fibroblasts begin to play a significant role in wound healing?

Fibroblasts play a crucial role during the repair phase of wound healing, which is when the body begins to rebuild tissue that has been damaged. During this phase, fibroblasts proliferate and synthesize collagen and extracellular matrix, which are essential for the structure and strength of the healing tissue. The activity of fibroblasts contributes to the formation of granulation tissue, which is a key component in the wound healing process.

In contrast, during the debridement phase, the focus is primarily on the removal of dead tissue and debris, and inflammatory cells predominate rather than fibroblasts. The maturation phase follows the repair phase and is characterized by the remodeling and strengthening of the new tissue formed. Lastly, the inflammatory phase occurs right after injury, where the primary role is to initiate the healing process through the immune response, rather than tissue formation. Thus, the significant involvement of fibroblasts is specifically highlighted during the repair phase of wound healing.