3 Chronic Inflammation Flashcards
How does chronic inflammation arise?
Takes over from acute inflammation
Can start by itself eg. after chronic infections
Can develop alongside acute inflammation
What is chronic inflammation?
Chronic response to injury with associated fibrosis. Less specific than acute inflammation and lasts for longer.
What are the functions of a macrophage? (3)
Phagocytose debris and bacteria
Present antigens to the immune system
Synthesise cytokines, complement components and blood clotting factors
What is the function of a lymphocyte?
B lymphocytes differentiate to produce antibodies
T lymphocytes are involved in controlling the cell
What is a plasma cell?
Differentiated antibody-producing B lymphocyte
When are eosinophils present?
After allergic reactions
What is the function of a fibroblast?
Make collagen
What is a giant cell?
Multinucleate cells made by fusion of macrophages when a large amount of debris needs to be phagocytosed.
Name and describe the three types of giant cell. What are their jobs?
Langhans- peripheral nuclei, mainly seen in TB
Foreign body- unorganised nuclei, digest foreign material
Touton- ring of nuclei, fat necrosis
What are the effects of chronic inflammation? (4)
Fibrosis
Impaired function
Atrophy
Stimulation of immune responce
What is ‘chronic cholecystisis’?
Repeated obstruction by gall stones of the cystic duct. Results in fibrosis of the gall bladder wall.
Why does gastric ulceration occur?
An imbalance of acid production and mucosal defence
Caused by alcohol or drugs
Which bacteria causes chronic gastritis?
Heliobacter pylori
What is ‘inflammatory bowel disease’? How does the patient present?
An idiopathic inflammatory disease affecting the large and small bowel.
Rectal bleeding and diarrhoea
What are the main two types of inflammatory bowel disease?
Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative colitis
