Acute

Question 1

What are the cardinal signs of acute inflammation?

Answer 1

Redness, warmth, swelling, pain and loss of functio

Question 2

Explain how does redness and warmth come about

Answer 2

Immune cells are triggered to start an inflammatory response.

Mast cells and macrophages release histamines (mast cell) and prostaglandins (both)

Histamines causes vasodilation and hence more blood flow = redness and warmth

Question 3

Explain how does swelling come about

Answer 3

Histamine and prostaglandin act on the endothelial cells surrounding the capillaries, increasing vascular permeability. With increased vascular permeability (ie. Gaps between endothelial cells), this allows the passage of plasma, proteins and cells out into the nearby tissues (extracellular space). This results in exudate formation (which is another term for PUS)

Question 4

Explain how does pain come about

Answer 4

One of the proteins secreted out with plasma is kinins, which is activated to become bradykinins. Together with prostaglandins, it irritates the nociceptors (pain nerve fibres) in the skin which send impulses to the brain.

Question 5

Explain how loss of function come about

Answer 5

Pain + Swelling which restricts range of motion

Question 6

Which cells are the first responders in acute inflammation?

Answer 6

Mast cells and macrophages: release histamines & prostaglandins

Neutrophils migrate to the site of injury to phagocytose and destroy microbes

Question 7

Compare exudate and transudate

Answer 7

Exudate: Thick and opaque. High specific gravity (ie high cellular content and high protein)

Transudate: Thin and clear. Low specific gravity

Question 8

Why would you get fever during acute inflammation?

Answer 8

Macrophages secrete cytokines like IL-1 & TNF-alpha, which increases expression of selectins/integrins (make neutrophils adhere to endothelial cells) and boosts ability of neutrophils. More importantly, they travel to the hypothalamus and exert their effects, causing fever.

Question 9

What are the 3 outcomes of acute inflammation?

Answer 9

1. Resolution
2. Abscess
3. Progress to chronic

Question 10

What is the role of lymph nodes in acute inflammation?

Answer 10

Lymphatics help to drain the exudate and foreign bodies, and drain into the lymph nodes for further deactivation by the immune system where all the B and T cells are.

Question 11

List 3 systemic effects of acute inflammation

Answer 11

Fever, loss of appetite, loss of weight, nausea, swollen lymph nodes

Question 12

Describe resolution as an outcome

Answer 12

1. Recovery and replacement of injured cells
2. Return to 100% function
3. Minimal damage and death
4. Tissue has regenerative abilities (brain, heart cannot regenerate)
5. Rapid removal of fluid and debris (prevent abscess)
6. Rapid removal of casual agent

Question 13

List the special patterns of post acute inflammation (other than chronic)

Answer 13

1. Serous - blister
2. Fibrinous
3. Suppurative (bad abscess)
4. Ulcer

Question 14

List the 4 broad causes of inflammation

Answer 14

1. Infection - bacteria, virus, fungi, parasite
2. Tissue necrosis - ischaemia
3. Foreign body - stingers, suture material
4. Immune rxn - autoimmune, allergic rxns