What phase of healing involves both vascular and cellular sub-phases?

The inflammatory phase of healing is characterized by both vascular and cellular responses that are essential for initiating the healing process. During this phase, the body's response to injury includes the dilation of blood vessels (vascular response), which increases blood flow to the area to deliver oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells. This influx of blood contributes to the classic signs of inflammation, such as redness and swelling.

Simultaneously, the cellular sub-phase involves the migration of various immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, to the injury site. These cells are crucial for cleaning up debris and pathogens, as well as releasing signaling molecules that promote healing. The effective coordination of these vascular and cellular processes marks the inflammatory phase as a critical period for setting the groundwork for subsequent healing phases, such as proliferation.