What occurs to fibroblasts and blood vessels as healing progresses?

As healing progresses, fibroblasts and blood vessels initially increase in number to support the formation of granulation tissue, which is essential for tissue repair. However, as the healing process moves toward scar formation, there is a significant regression of these cells. Fibroblasts decrease in activity, and the density of blood vessels, which are abundant during the inflammatory and proliferative phases, also diminishes. This reduction is crucial in the maturation phase of healing because it leads to the formation of a collagenous scar—a dense fibrous tissue that lacks the vascularity and cellularity of the original tissue. This process ultimately helps to restore tissue integrity, though the scar may not possess the same functional properties as the original tissue. The transition from a highly cellular and vascularized environment to one where collagen predominates is a hallmark of effective tissue remodeling in the healing process.