Which statement best describes healing by primary intention?

Healing by primary intention is characterized by the rapid closure of a wound with minimal tissue loss. This occurs when the edges of the wound are closely approximated, allowing epithelial cells to migrate quickly across the wound surface. Since there is little tissue damage and the wound edges are aligned well, the healing process is efficient. The resulting scar is typically less pronounced compared to other healing processes, which is why this method is often used for surgical incisions or clean lacerations where the skin can be neatly brought together.

In contrast, the other options describe healing processes that do not align with the characteristics of primary intention. The second option refers to healing by secondary intention, where wound edges are not approximated, leading to granulation tissue formation. The third option points to delayed healing processes, which may involve larger wounds and more significant scarring, typical of healing by secondary or tertiary intention. The fourth option incorrectly implies that primary intention healing is managed solely by dressings; however, this method typically involves sutures or other forms of closure to align the wound edges effectively.