Science
How does the body heal a wound?
The body heals a wound in stages. First, blood clots to stop bleeding; then the immune system fights infection and clears debris; next, new tissue and blood vessels rebuild the area; finally, the new tissue strengthens and remodels into a scar.
See it in motion.
Watch a 2-minute animated lesson that shows exactly how wound healing works.
Step by step
- 1Blood clots quickly to stop the bleeding.
- 2The immune system fights germs and clears debris.
- 3New tissue and blood vessels rebuild the wound.
- 4The area strengthens and remodels, often into a scar.
Frequently asked questions
- How does the body heal a wound?
- Through stages: clotting, fighting infection, rebuilding tissue, and finally strengthening into a scar.
- Why do wounds form scabs?
- A scab is dried, clotted blood that seals the wound and protects it while new skin grows underneath.
- Why do some wounds scar?
- Scars form where the body rebuilds tissue quickly with collagen rather than perfectly replacing the original skin.