Physiology of the acute wound.

The human response to injury involves the coordinated interplay of a variety of physiologic processes that result in a healed wound. In a highly reproducible manner, hemostasis is achieved, inflammation is induced, mesenchymal cells migrate into the wounded area and proliferate, revascularization occurs, epithelial continuity is re-established, collagen and other matrix components are synthesized, wound contraction occurs, and the wound remodels itself. These various functions involved in the healing process are all orchestrated by cytokines and other mediators of cellular function.