A rise in tissue temperature is associated with which change that facilitates tissue healing?

• A. Increased metabolic rate
• B. Decreased metabolic rate
• C. No change in metabolic rate
• D. Variable metabolic rate depending on pH and oxygenation

Answer: (B)

Raising tissue temperature speeds up chemical reactions and cellular processes, so metabolism climbs. When heat raises metabolic rate, enzymes involved in repair work faster, energy (ATP) production increases, and cells that drive healing—like fibroblasts and immune cells—can operate more efficiently. Heat also promotes vasodilation and greater blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients needed for repair. All these factors together accelerate tissue healing.

Decreasing metabolic rate would slow these healing processes, while no change wouldn’t account for how heat actively boosts cellular activity. The idea that metabolic rate varies only with pH and oxygenation doesn’t fit the direct effect of temperature on metabolism in this context.