Definition

1. Noun:
   • New connective tissue and tiny blood vessels that form on the surfaces of a wound during the healing process: Granulation tissue is the soft, pink, bumpy tissue that fills a wound as it heals. It is composed of new collagen fibers, fibroblasts, and a network of small capillaries.

Usage

• Granulation tissue is a critical stage in wound healing. It appears after inflammation and before scar tissue formation (remodeling).
• It is a sign of healthy healing. The presence of moist, red granulation tissue indicates that a wound is progressing well.
• In medical contexts, the quality and amount of granulation tissue are assessed to monitor healing.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor noted that healthy granulation tissue was filling the surgical incision.
  • A lack of granulation tissue in the ulcer suggested poor circulation and delayed healing.
  • The wound bed was covered in bright red granulation tissue, which was a positive sign.

Advanced Usage

• "Proud flesh": An older, non-medical term sometimes used to describe an excessive overgrowth of granulation tissue that rises above the wound edges, which can impede healing.
  • The veterinarian treated the horse's leg for proud flesh, which was an overgrowth of granulation tissue.

Variants and Related Words

• Granulate (verb): To form into grains or small particles; in a medical sense, it refers to the process of forming granulation tissue.
  • The wound began to granulate properly after the infection was cleared.
• Granular (adjective): Having a grainy texture; this describes the visual appearance of granulation tissue.
  • The granular surface of the tissue is due to the loops of new capillaries.

Synonyms

• Granuloma: A specific type of granulation tissue that forms in response to chronic inflammation, infection, or foreign material. (Note: While related, a granuloma is a distinct pathological entity, not a perfect synonym for the granulation tissue in standard wound healing.)
• Healing tissue: A more general, descriptive term.

Related Phrases

• Formation of granulation tissue: The process by which this tissue develops.
  • The formation of granulation tissue is essential for wound contraction.
• Bed of granulation tissue: A phrase used to describe a wound base that is covered with this tissue.
  • The ulcer now has a healthy bed of granulation tissue.

Notes

• Granulation tissue is distinct from epithelial tissue (the new skin that grows over it) and scar tissue (the final, remodeled collagen).
• The characteristic red, bumpy appearance is due to the many new, loop-shaped blood vessels (capillaries) growing into the area.

Noun

1. new connective tissue and tiny blood vessels that form on the surfaces of a wound during the healing process