Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

During which phase of wound healing does angiogenesis occur?

1. Inflammatory phase

2. Maturation phase

3. Proliferative phase

4. Hemostasis phase

The correct answer is: Proliferative phase

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, primarily takes place during the proliferative phase of wound healing. This phase focuses on tissue formation and includes processes such as collagen deposition, granulation tissue formation, and epithelialization. Angiogenesis is crucial during this phase because it facilitates the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the newly forming tissue, which is vital for the healing process. By promoting blood flow, angiogenesis also aids in the removal of waste products from the wound area, further supporting tissue repair and regeneration. In contrast, while the inflammatory phase is essential for initial cleaning and preparation for healing, it is characterized by the recruitment of inflammatory cells rather than the formation of new blood vessels. The maturation phase, which occurs after the proliferative phase, focuses on remodeling and strengthening the newly formed tissue rather than the formation of new vessels. The hemostasis phase occurs immediately after wounding, primarily involving blood clot formation and does not involve angiogenesis. Thus, the proliferative phase is distinctly marked by angiogenesis as a response to the healing needs of the tissue.