Acute and chronic inflammation Flashcards
1
Q
What is inflammation?
A
A reaction to injury or infection involving cells such as neutrophils and macrophages
2
Q
When is inflammation good?
A
- Infection
- Injury
3
Q
When is inflammation bad?
A
- Autoimmunity
- When it is an over-reaction to the stimulus
4
Q
How is inflammation classified?
A
Acute (neutrophils)
Chronic (macrophages and lymphocytes)
5
Q
Describe acute inflammation
A
- Sudden onset
- Short duration
- Usually resolves
6
Q
Describe chronic inflammation
A
- Slow onset or sequel to acute
- Long duration
- May never resolve
7
Q
Which cells are involved in inflammation?
A
-Neutrophil polymorphs
-Macrophages
-Lymphocytes
-Endothelial cells
-Fibroblasts
8
Q
Describe features of neutrophil polymorphs
A
- Short lived cells
- First on the scene of acute inflammation
- Cytoplasmic granules full of enzymes that kill bacteria
- Usually die at the scene of inflammation
- Release chemicals that attract other inflammatory cells such as macrophages
9
Q
Describe features of macrophages
A
- Long lived cells (weeks to months)
- Phagocytic properties
- Ingest bacteria and debris
- May carry debris away
- May present antigen to lymphocytes
10
Q
Describe features of lymphocytes
A
- Not much cytoplasm, big nucleus
- Long lived cells (years)
- Produce chemicals which attract in other inflammatory cells
- Immunological memory for past infections and antigens
- Plasma cells which make antibodies
11
Q
Describe features of endothelial cells
A
- Line capillary blood vessels in areas of inflammation
- Become sticky in areas of inflammation so inflammatory cells (neutrophils) adhere to them
- Become porous to allow inflammatory cells to pass into tissues
- Grow into areas of damage to form new capillary vessels
-Precapillary sphincters open in inflammation
12
Q
What’s an example of acute inflammation?
A
Acute appendicitis
12
Q
Describe features of fibroblasts
A
- ER for collagen synthesis
- Long lived cells
- Form collagen in areas of chronic inflammation and repair
13
Q
Describe acute appendicitis
A
- Unknown precipitating factor
- Neutrophils appear
- Blood vessels dilate
- Inflammation of serosal surface occurs
- Pain felt
- Appendix either surgically removed or inflammation resolves or appendix bursts with generalised peritonitis and possible death
14
Q
What’s an example of chronic inflammation?
A
Tuberculosis
