What best describes fibroblast activity during healing?

Fibroblast activity during healing is primarily characterized by the formation of connective tissue fibers. Fibroblasts are specialized cells that play a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration. When an injury occurs, these cells migrate to the site of damage and begin synthesizing collagen and other extracellular matrix components. This is essential for providing structural support to the healing tissue, facilitating the repair process.

The production of new connective tissue fibers by fibroblasts helps to close wounds and restore the integrity of the affected area. This process is fundamental to healing because it replaces the damaged tissue with new tissue, which is crucial for regaining function and stability in the injured region.

In contrast, the other options reflect different aspects of the healing process but do not accurately describe the primary function of fibroblasts. For example, while blood clots are important for initial injury response, they are primarily formed by platelets and not fibroblasts. The absorption of damaged tissue may occur through the action of other cell types, such as macrophages, rather than directly by fibroblasts. Reduction of inflammation is a later stage in healing, and while it can be influenced by the overall healing process, it does not specifically highlight the role of fibroblasts in forming new connective tissue