American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

During the process of wound healing, the expected transition of collagen types involves the replacement of type 3 collagen with type 1 collagen. This transition is critical as type 3 collagen is primarily found in the initial stages of healing, contributing to the formation of granulation tissue. As healing progresses, type 1 collagen, which is stronger and more organized, gradually replaces type 3 collagen. This shift is essential for restoring the structural integrity and mechanical strength of the tissue.

Type 1 collagen is the predominant collagen in mature scars and is responsible for providing tensile strength to the healed tissue. The conversion from type 3 to type 1 collagen typically happens within weeks to months after injury, showcasing the dynamic nature of wound healing as the tissue matures. Understanding this transition is vital for predicting healing outcomes and managing complications in surgical and traumatic wounds.