What is the primary purpose of the inflammatory phase in wound healing?

The primary purpose of the inflammatory phase in wound healing is to prevent infection. During this phase, the body's immune response is activated to protect the injured area from foreign pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. This is achieved through various mechanisms, including the release of inflammatory mediators that increase blood flow and attract immune cells to the site of injury. These immune cells work to engulf and destroy invading bacteria, helping to prevent potential infections that could complicate the healing process.

While there are other phases in wound healing that focus on forming new skin cells, producing scar tissue, and promoting blood flow, these processes occur later in the healing timeline. The inflammatory phase specifically addresses the immediate need to combat infection and initiate the healing process, setting a critical foundation for the subsequent phases that follow.