How is primary intention characterized in wound healing?

Primary intention in wound healing is characterized by the well approximation of wound edges. This method occurs when the tissue surfaces are brought together—such as when surgical wounds are closed with sutures or staples. Because the edges are closely aligned, healing occurs more efficiently, with reduced risk of infection and minimal scarring. This type of healing typically leads to a faster recovery and a more aesthetically pleasing result, as there is little to no gap for granulation tissue to fill.

In contrast, the other options refer to different healing processes. For instance, widely separated wound edges indicate secondary intention, where healing occurs from the bottom up due to the larger area that needs to be healed. Delayed healing due to infection can occur in wounds that are not properly aligned, leading to complications that slow down the healing process. Granulation tissue filling the wound gap is a characteristic of secondary intention, where the body forms new tissue in response to a larger or more complex wound scenario.