During the proliferative phase of dermal wound healing, which of the following occurs?

During the proliferative phase of dermal wound healing, the migration of fibroblasts to the wound site is a critical process. Fibroblasts are a type of cell that plays a significant role in wound healing as they produce collagen and other extracellular matrix components, which are essential for the structural integrity of the healing tissue. This phase focuses on tissue formation and repair, which includes the proliferation and migration of these cells to ensure the wound can properly heal.

While formation of new blood vessels is an integral part of wound healing, it primarily occurs in the earlier phases, particularly during the inflammatory phase, to provide the necessary nutrients and oxygen for healing. Scab formation is also an important aspect, but it typically occurs during the initial phases of healing and is not limited to the proliferative phase. The immediate removal of dead cells is a function that occurs mainly during the inflammatory phase, where macrophages clear debris to prepare the area for subsequent healing processes. Thus, the most defining action of the proliferative phase is indeed the migration of fibroblasts to the wound site.