Regeneration and Repair of Tissues Quiz

See Healing by Primary Intention. Option D is correct because healing by primary intention happens when the edges of a wound are close together, as in a clean surgical incision closed with sutures, glue or staples. Because there is little tissue loss, there is only a small gap to fill, so the epithelium (surface layer of the skin) regrows quickly across the closed wound and a thin linear scar remains. A blood clot and scab seal the wound at first, inflammation clears debris, fibroblasts and new capillaries form a little granulation tissue, and collagen is laid down and then remodelled. It is quicker than secondary intention and, in most cases, leaves minimal scarring. It works best when the wound is clean, the edges are well aligned and there is a good blood supply. Memory aid: primary intention is the neat job, where the edges are brought together first.

• Setting: the wound edges lie close together, as in a clean incision closed with sutures, glue or staples.
• Healing: the epithelium regrows quickly across a small gap, with only a little granulation tissue.
• Result: minimal tissue loss and a thin linear scar.
• Works best when: the wound is clean, the edges are well aligned and the blood supply is good.