Wound healing: collagen maturation: practice question

A General Surgery question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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General Surgery · Wound healing: collagen maturation

Sample item

Which statement about collagen in a healing wound is correct?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Type III collagen is laid down early and is gradually replaced by type I

Early granulation tissue contains type III collagen, which is remodelled to stronger type I collagen over weeks to months. Even after full maturation the scar achieves only about 80 percent of the strength of uninjured skin. Wound strength is minimal in the first week.

Option by option

  • A. Collagen synthesis begins only after three months

    Synthesis begins within days.

  • B. Type I is replaced by type III over time

    The sequence is the reverse of this.

  • C. Type III collagen is laid down early and is gradually replaced by type I (correct)

    Correct. Type III is replaced by type I during remodelling.

  • D. The scar regains 100 percent of the original tensile strength

    A scar never regains full strength.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this General Surgery question

What is the answer to this General Surgery question?

The best answer is C, Type III collagen is laid down early and is gradually replaced by type I. Early granulation tissue contains type III collagen, which is remodelled to stronger type I collagen over weeks to months.

Why is "Collagen synthesis begins only after three months" not the answer?

Synthesis begins within days.

Why is "Type I is replaced by type III over time" not the answer?

The sequence is the reverse of this.

Why is "The scar regains 100 percent of the original tensile strength" not the answer?

A scar never regains full strength.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Wound healing: collagen maturation in General Surgery. Even after full maturation the scar achieves only about 80 percent of the strength of uninjured skin. Wound strength is minimal in the first week.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Wound healing: collagen maturation?

Learn classic signs and eponyms alongside what they diagnose. Then use the flashcards and the other General Surgery questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.