Which mechanism is described as part of how diathermy and radiation promote wound healing?

• A. Decreased blood flow
• B. Increased intracellular activity
• C. Inhibition of cell replication
• D. Decreased collagen synthesis

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that diathermy and radiation promote wound healing by boosting cellular activity and metabolism. Heat and energy delivery raise tissue temperature and stimulate cellular processes, leading to higher ATP production, faster enzyme activity, increased protein synthesis, and greater fibroblast function. This enhances tissue repair, collagen formation, and angiogenesis.

Decreased blood flow would actually hinder healing, and these modalities typically increase blood flow rather than reduce it. Inhibiting cell replication would slow healing, not promote it. Decreasing collagen synthesis would impair repair, whereas these therapies often support collagen deposition. So the mechanism best describing their effect is increased intracellular activity.