CJE Medical-Surgical (MS) II Practice Test

In the inflammatory phase of wound healing, which cells are primarily involved in hemostasis and debris cleanup?

Fibroblasts and keratinocytes Endothelial cells and smooth muscle Platelets and neutrophils Epithelial cells and macrophages

Correct Answer:

Platelets and neutrophils

Explanation:

In the inflammatory phase, the body acts to stop bleeding and begin cleanup. Platelets are key for hemostasis: they adhere to exposed vessels and form a plug, releasing factors that start the coagulation cascade to seal the wound. Neutrophils are the main early immune cells that arrive to the site and perform debris and bacteria clearance through phagocytosis. This combination—platelets driving clot formation and neutrophils handling debris cleanup—best captures the primary actions of this phase. Other cells listed have roles later in healing: fibroblasts and keratinocytes contribute to tissue rebuilding, endothelial and smooth muscle cells are involved in new vessel formation, and macrophages arrive after neutrophils to continue cleanup and signaling.

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