What characterizes the proliferation phase of soft tissue repair?

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The proliferation phase of soft tissue repair is primarily characterized by the formation of granulation tissue, which is a crucial part of the healing process. During this phase, new blood vessels form, a process known as angiogenesis, which is essential for supplying oxygen and nutrients to the healing tissue. In addition to new blood vessels, fibroblasts proliferate and migrate to the site of injury, where they play a vital role in synthesizing extracellular matrix components such as collagen. This newly formed granulation tissue eventually provides a scaffold for tissue repair and is key to restoring function to the injured area.

While increased scar tissue formation is part of the healing process, it is more accurately associated with later phases of healing, particularly remodeling. The complete restoration of original cells does not occur in the proliferation phase as the body generally replaces damaged tissue with scar tissue rather than returning to original structures. Absorption of excess fluid may occur, but it's not a defining characteristic of the proliferation phase; rather, it is a result of the body's natural healing response that can occur during various stages of recovery. Thus, the formation of granulation tissue is the hallmark of the proliferation phase, making it the correct characterization.

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