Final answer:
The remodeling phase of wound healing is when a slow, sustained increase in tissue tensile strength occurs, with collagen fibers realigning to strengthen the tissue.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the healing process of a wound, a slow, sustained increase in tissue tensile strength takes place during the remodeling phase. Following the inflammatory phase and the proliferation phase, where fibroblasts deposit collagen to form granulation tissue, the remodeling phase further strengthens the tissue. Collagen fibers, initially laid down randomly, begin to realign in response to the mechanical forces to which the tissue is subjected, leading to an increase in tensile strength of the healing wound over time. This phase can last from several weeks to years, depending on the extent of the injury and the body's repair capability.