Bruising progresses through several stages, which can be observed histologically:
1. Immediate Phase: The initial stage is marked by the rupture of capillaries and the acute extravasation of blood. 2. Inflammatory Phase: This involves an influx of inflammatory cells, including neutrophils and macrophages, which begin to clear the extravasated blood cells. 3. Proliferative Phase: Fibroblasts and other reparative cells proliferate to repair the damaged tissue. 4. Resolution Phase: The final stage involves the complete reabsorption of blood and repair of the tissue architecture, resulting in the resolution of the bruise.
