Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

Which type of cell is primarily responsible for growing and creating capillary sprouts?

1. Myocytes

2. Neutrophils

3. Fibroblasts

4. Endothelial cells

The correct answer is: Endothelial cells

Endothelial cells are crucial in the process of angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones. These cells line the interior surface of blood vessels and are primarily responsible for creating capillary sprouts. During wound healing or tissue repair, endothelial cells proliferate and migrate to form new capillaries, providing necessary nutrients and oxygen to the healing tissue. This process is vital for restoring tissue function and facilitating the repair mechanisms. While myocytes are related to muscle tissue and play a role in muscle repair, they do not contribute directly to the creation of capillary sprouts. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell involved in the initial inflammatory response and help combat infection, but they do not generate blood vessels. Fibroblasts are essential in wound healing as they produce collagen and extracellular matrix to provide structural support, yet they do not form the capillary sprouts themselves. Thus, endothelial cells are the key players in developing capillary networks during the healing process.