Which phase of healing begins within minutes of injury?

The inflammatory phase is the initial response to tissue injury and begins almost immediately after the injury occurs, typically within minutes. During this phase, the body activates its immune response to prevent infection and starts the healing process. The key events include the release of inflammatory mediators, such as histamines, and the presence of immune cells, like neutrophils and macrophages. These actions help to clear debris and pathogens from the site of injury, setting the stage for the healing process to advance.

The hemostasis phase occurs even earlier, as it is involved in stopping the bleeding by forming a clot, which is crucial but not the same as the broader inflammatory phase where the body reacts to inflammation specifically. The proliferative phase follows after the inflammatory phase and focuses on tissue formation and repair. The maturation phase is the final stage of healing, occurring much later as the tissue remodels and strengthens over time. Understanding these sequential phases is critical for effective surgical assistance and patient care.