What term describes the process of tissue healing and repair after injury?

The term that best describes the process of tissue healing and repair after injury is regeneration. Regeneration refers to the ability of certain tissues or organs to restore themselves to their original structure and function after being damaged. This process involves the proliferation of cells and the formation of new tissue to replace the injured areas. In many cases, regeneration can lead to the complete recovery of tissue and functionality, depending on the type of tissue involved and the extent of the injury.

While inflammation is a critical part of the healing process, as it helps to contain the injury and initiate repair mechanisms, it is not synonymous with healing itself. Inflammation is more of an initial response to injury that involves the immune system working to eliminate harmful agents and prepare the tissue for repair.

Fibrosis describes the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue during the wound healing process, which can sometimes lead to scarring and may not restore the original function of the tissue as effectively as true regeneration would. This is particularly common in tissues that do not regenerate well, such as the heart or liver.

Necrosis refers to the premature death of cells and living tissue caused by injury, infection, or lack of blood flow, which is detrimental and does not contribute to the healing process.

Therefore, regeneration is the most