Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) Practice Exam

Which group of cells is primarily involved in the healing process by generating collagen?

1. Macrophages

2. Fibroblasts

3. Keratinocytes

4. Neutrophils

The correct answer is: Fibroblasts

Fibroblasts are the primary cells involved in the healing process, particularly in the synthesis of collagen, which is a crucial protein that provides structural support to tissues. During wound healing, fibroblasts migrate to the site of injury and begin to proliferate and produce collagen and other extracellular matrix components. This is essential for providing strength and integrity to the newly formed tissue, enabling the wound to close and heal effectively. In the wound healing process, fibroblasts play a significant role in transitioning the wound from the inflammatory phase to the proliferative phase. As they generate collagen, they also produce glycosaminoglycans and fibronectin, which help in creating a scaffold for cellular attachment and facilitate the migration of other essential cells in the healing process. This collaborative function ultimately leads to tissue repair and regeneration. The other cell types, such as macrophages and neutrophils, primarily contribute to the inflammatory response and the clearance of debris and pathogens but do not directly generate collagen. Keratinocytes are essential for re-epithelialization and the formation of new skin, but their direct role is not in collagen production. Therefore, fibroblasts are uniquely positioned in the healing process to fulfill the critical need for collagen generation.