What is the correct sequence of healing for a mild corneal abrasion?

The healing process of a mild corneal abrasion involves a systematic sequence that is crucial for restoring the integrity of the cornea. The correct sequence begins with the migration and proliferation of epithelial cells to close the abrasion, ensuring that the cornea regains its protective barrier.

Initially, surrounding epithelial cells undergo mitosis, which is the process of cell division. This step is critical as it provides new cells that can replace those lost due to the abrasion. The proliferating cells will move to the wound area, helping to restore the corneal epithelium.

Following mitosis, the basal cells at the wound margin then flatten and spread to cover the exposed area. This flattening allows for the cells to cover the wound effectively as they migrate across the defect.

After the epithelial cells migrate and cover the wound, hemidesmosomes form between the newly migrated basal cells and the underlying basement membrane, which secures the new epithelial layer in place. This is important for maintaining the attachment of the cells and re-establishing the integrity of the corneal tissue.

Lastly, the cells attach to the extracellular matrix via fibronectin and laminin, facilitating the final stages of healing and restoring the barrier function of the cornea.

Through this understanding, each step