Which component sits at the top of the tissue healing pyramid?

• A. Late remodeling
• B. Inflammation
• C. Early proliferation
• D. Early remodeling

Answer: (A)

Late remodeling sits at the top because healing progresses from inflammation to tissue formation and then to maturation. Inflammation kicks things off, clearing debris and signaling repair; early proliferation builds new tissue and initial collagen. Early remodeling begins organizing that collagen, but the final maturation phase—late remodeling—reorganizes and cross-links the collagen fibers, increases tensile strength, and reduces vascularity and scar size. This maturation phase lasts the longest and represents the tissue reaching its mature, strongest form, which is why it sits at the top.