Final answer:
The four phases involved in the healing process of a full-thickness wound are inflammation, granulation tissue formation, wound contraction, and epithelialization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The four phases involved in the healing process of a full-thickness wound are:
- Inflammation: Injured cells release chemical signals that cause vasodilation, swelling, and pain in the area. Blood clotting occurs to reduce blood loss and form a scab to prevent infection.
- Granulation tissue formation: Fibroblasts replace lost collagen and extracellular material. Angiogenesis leads to the growth of new blood vessels in the tissue.
- Wound contraction: The clot retracts, pulling the edges of the wound together, and dissolves as the tissue is repaired. Granulation tissue forms and capillaries disappear, leaving a pale scar.
- Epithelialization: New cells regenerate to replace damaged or dead cells, resulting in the healing of the wound.