Which cell is considered the central orchestrator of the wound healing process, clearing debris, releasing cytokines, and recruiting both fibroblasts and endothelial cells?
- A Neutrophil
- B Macrophage ✓
- C Platelet
- D Keratinocyte
Correct answer: B. Macrophage
Explanation
The macrophage appears in the wound within 48 to 72 hours and coordinates the transition from inflammation to proliferation: it debrides necrotic tissue, secretes growth factors such as TGF-beta, PDGF, and VEGF, and recruits fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Neutrophils arrive earlier but mainly clear bacteria and are dispensable for healing, whereas platelets act chiefly in hemostasis and initial signaling before the macrophage takes over regulation.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.