Which process primarily occurs during the inflammatory phase of dermal wound healing?

The inflammatory phase of dermal wound healing is characterized by several key processes, one of which is vasodilation. This process involves the widening of blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the injured area. As a result, this leads to redness and swelling, which are hallmark signs of inflammation. The enhanced blood flow brings necessary immune cells, nutrients, and oxygen to the wound site, which are critical for initiating healing.

During this phase, various signaling molecules are released, causing blood vessels to dilate and permeability to increase. This allows immune cells, such as neutrophils and later macrophages, to migrate into the site of injury, which helps to control any potential infection and begins the process of tissue repair. Thus, vasodilation—and the resultant redness and swelling—plays a crucial role in facilitating the body's initial response to injury.

While the formation of a scab, reestablishment of the epidermis, and removal of dead cells by phagocytes also occur during wound healing, they typically take place in subsequent phases of healing. In particular, the formation of a scab occurs as a result of clotting during the hemostatic phase, the reestablishment of the epidermis takes place in the proliferative phase, and the