Granulation tissue is primarily composed of which of the following?

Granulation tissue is an essential component of the healing process, particularly during the repair phase following injury. It plays a critical role in wound healing as it is richly vascularized, containing a network of blood vessels that supply necessary nutrients and oxygen.

The correct answer highlights that granulation tissue is primarily composed of fibroblasts, collagen, and blood vessels. Fibroblasts are key cells in the formation of granulation tissue; they produce collagen and other extracellular matrix components that provide structural integrity to the tissue. Collagen, being a primary structural protein, gives strength and flexibility to the tissue as it matures. The presence of blood vessels is crucial as they not only supply oxygen but also facilitate the delivery of immune cells and growth factors needed for effective healing.

In contrast, the other options include components that do not typically characterize granulation tissue. For example, keratin, elastin, and fat cells are more associated with skin and adipose tissue rather than the granulation phase of healing. Similarly, macrophages, muscle cells, and cartilage are involved in different healing processes and tissue types, rather than in the formation of granulation tissue specifically. Lastly, nerve cells, adipocytes, and ground substance do not play a primary role in the formation