granulaatiokudoksen

Granulaatiokudoksen, which translates to granulation tissue in English, is a temporary connective tissue that forms in wound healing. It is a vital component of the repair process, appearing as early as a few days after injury and persisting until the wound is closed or covered by epithelium. Granulation tissue is characterized by its bright red, granular appearance due to a rich vascular network and the presence of fibroblasts and inflammatory cells.

The formation of granulation tissue involves several key cellular processes. Initially, inflammatory cells like neutrophils and macrophages infiltrate the wound site to clear debris and bacteria. Following this, fibroblasts migrate into the area and begin synthesizing collagen, a structural protein that forms the scaffold of the new tissue. Simultaneously, new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis, sprout and grow into the tissue, supplying oxygen and nutrients essential for repair.

The primary functions of granulation tissue are to fill the wound defect, provide a base for new epithelial cells to migrate across, and protect the underlying tissues. As the wound heals, the amount of granulation tissue gradually diminishes. It is eventually replaced by scar tissue, which is less vascularized and contains more densely packed collagen. In some chronic wounds or if the healing process is disrupted, excessive or abnormal granulation tissue can form, leading to complications.