During tendon healing, when does collagen synthesis begin?

During tendon healing, when does collagen synthesis begin?

• A. First 4 days
• B. First week
• C. Second month
• D. After 6 months

Answer: (B)

Collagen synthesis starts as the repair phase begins, which is during the first week after a tendon injury. After the initial inflammation, fibroblasts migrate in and begin laying down collagen, mainly type III, to form a scar-like scaffold for the healing tissue. Over the following weeks, this collagen is remodeled and replaced by stronger type I collagen, with fibers gradually aligning in the direction of load as you introduce controlled movement. This timeline explains why the onset is during the first week rather than later months or at just a few days.

Collagen synthesis starts as the repair phase begins, which is during the first week after a tendon injury. After the initial inflammation, fibroblasts migrate in and begin laying down collagen, mainly type III, to form a scar-like scaffold for the healing tissue. Over the following weeks, this collagen is remodeled and replaced by stronger type I collagen, with fibers gradually aligning in the direction of load as you introduce controlled movement. This timeline explains why the onset is during the first week rather than later months or at just a few days.