Which sequence correctly lists the four stages of wound healing in order?

• A. Hemostasis, Proliferation, Inflammation, Maturation
• B. Inflammation, Hemostasis, Proliferation, Maturation
• C. Hemostasis, Inflammation (Defensive), Proliferation, Maturation
• D. Proliferation, Inflammation, Hemostasis, Maturation

Answer: (C)

Wound healing follows a defined sequence of phases in time. Right after injury, hemostasis occurs to stop bleeding and seal the wound. This is followed by the inflammatory (defensive) phase, where immune cells work to contain infection and clear debris. Next comes the proliferative phase, when new tissue forms, including new blood vessels and collagen to fill the wound. Finally, the maturation (remodeling) phase strengthens the tissue as the collagen is reorganized over time. So the correct order is hemostasis, inflammatory, proliferative, maturation. The other options misplace one of the phases (for example, inflammation before hemostasis or proliferation before cleanup), which does not reflect how the healing process unfolds.