Cardinal Signs of Inflammation

Question 1

What is acute inflammation?

Answer 1

A rapid host response which aims to deliver leukocytes and plasma proteins to the site of infection of tissue injury

Question 2

What are the 4 cardinal signs of inflammation?

Answer 2

Rubor (redness)
Tumor (swelling)
Calor (heat)
Dolor (pain)

Question 3

Which is the 5th Cardinal sign added by Virchow in the 19th century?

Answer 3

Loss of function

Since when a tissue undergoes an acute inflammatory response, the functionality of the tissue is impaired

Question 4

Describe how Tumor (the swelling) is caused

Answer 4

Vascular changes occur. Vasodilation of the vessels followed by increased permeability - which leads to the movement of salt and water outside the vessels and into the tissue –> edema (swelling)

Question 5

Describe what causes the redness and heat in an inflammed area

Answer 5

The vasodilation of vessels and opening of new capillary beds leading to increased blood flow in that region

Question 6

Describe why pain is generated during inflammation

Answer 6

Nociceptors (pain receptors) are co-activated because of the tissue damage and also because of the release of prostaglandins, neuropeptides and cytokines –> resulting in pain