Which of the following is NOT a phase of wound healing?

The correct answer is indeed that the perforative phase is not a recognized phase of wound healing. Wound healing is a complex biological process typically classified into three main phases: the inflammatory phase, the proliferative phase, and the maturation phase.

The inflammatory phase occurs immediately after injury, where the body responds to the wound by improving blood flow to the affected area and initiating a response to prevent infection. This includes the accumulation of white blood cells and the release of signaling molecules.

The proliferative phase follows, characterized by tissue regeneration and the formation of new blood vessels, collagen deposition, and re-epithelialization of the skin. This phase focuses on filling in and closing the wound.

Finally, the maturation phase occurs over a longer period and involves remodeling of the collagen and tissue to strengthen the wound site, which may take months or even years to complete.

The term "perforative phase" is not a recognized phase in the continuum of wound healing processes, which is why it is the correct choice for this question.