Which events characterize the proliferation phase?

• A. Deeper part of clot disappears; number of capillaries decline
• B. Mast cells released; a blood clot forms
• C. Scabs form and basal cells migrate
• D. Scab is shed and scar tissue elevates epidermis

Answer: (A)

Proliferation is the phase where the wound is rebuilt with new tissue: granulation tissue forms with new capillaries (angiogenesis), fibroblasts lay down collagen and extracellular matrix, and epithelial cells from the wound edges begin to migrate over the surface (re-epithelialization). A scab can still be present as the initial clot is gradually replaced by this new tissue.

The choice that describes scabs forming and basal (epithelial) cells migrating best fits these proliferative processes, since basal cell migration is the key step in re-epithelializing the wound. The other options describe events more typical of inflammation (clot formation and mast cell activity) or remodeling (scab shedding and epidermal elevation by scar tissue), which are not the defining activities of the proliferative phase.