Scarring (fibrosis)

[blank_start]Bleed[blank_end] --> [blank_start]clot[blank_end] --> [blank_start]acute inflammation[blank_end] --> [blank_start]chronic inflammation[blank_end] --> migration of [blank_start]fibroblasts[blank_end] --> new [blank_start]ECM[blank_end] --> [blank_start]results in angiogenesis and collagen[blank_end] --> scar matures

Tissue [blank_start]remodelling[blank_end]: the ECM of [blank_start]granulation[blank_end] tissue must be degraded to [blank_start]remodel[blank_end] tissue in healing. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are [blank_start]enzymes[blank_end] that each break down one component of this ECM. They mediate long- term scar maturation and degradation, which is why they can look better over time. The action of MMPs is regulated by [blank_start]TIMPs[blank_end].

Fibrotic tissue is [blank_start]weaker[blank_end] and [blank_start]less[blank_end] elastic than healthy tissue.

Fibroblasts are connective tissue stem cells. [blank_start]Growth factors[blank_end] cause them to migrate and [blank_start]proliferate[blank_end]. They secrete ECM components, [blank_start]collagen[blank_end] and elastin.