Acute Inflammation Flashcards
1
Q
What is acute inflammation?
A
- Response of living tissue to infection/damage
- develops quickly
- Initiation for INNATE immunity
2
Q
What are the 3 main processes involved in acute inflammation?
A
- Vascular Dilation (vasodilation)
- Increased vascular permeability
- Neutrophil activation and migration
3
Q
What are the 4 main causes of acute inflammation?
A
- Microbial infection
- Physical agents
- Irritant and corrosive chemicals
- Tissue necrosis (no nutrients/oxygen, or inadequate blood flow)
4
Q
What are the consequences of acute inflammation?
A
- Redness
- Heat
- Swelling
- Pain
- Loss of function
5
Q
What is an Oedema?
A
Excess of water fluid collecting in the cavities/tissues of the body -
6
Q
What mediators regulate inflammation?
A
Chemical & Protein mediators;
Chemical:
- Histamine
- Bradykinin
- Prostaglandins
Protein
- Cytokines
- Chemokines
7
Q
What is the purpose of Histamine?
A
- CAUSES VASCULAR DILATION - Main Point
- Chemical mediator
- Stored in granules of immune cells (releases histamine @ degranulation)
- Role as neurotransmitter - Causes ITCHING
- Product of breakdown of amino acid histidine
8
Q
What is the purpose of Prostaglandins?
A
- CAUSES VASCULAR DILATION - Main Point
- Chemical mediator
- Product of fatty acid metabolism
- Regulates cytokine production, cell recruitment
9
Q
What are the 4 enzymatic cascades involved in acute inflammation?
A
- Complement -> 3 pathways involved
- The kinin system -> production of bradykinins, causing vasodilation
- Coagulation - formation of a STABLE BLOOD CLOT (FIBRIN)
- Fibrinolytic system - Prevents excessive clotting by degrading fibrin
10
Q
What is Suppuration?
A
Formation of pus (bacteria with dead and dying neutrophils) creating an abscess
11
Q
How many types of dental abscess is there?
A
3 Types of dental abscess;
- Gingival Abscess (due to trauma to surface of gum tissue)
- Periodontal Abscess (due to infection moved deeper into gum)
- Periapical Abscess (due to infection of pulp)
12
Q
What’s essential for resolving acute inflammation?
A
- Minimal cell death & tissue damage
- Rapid elimination of causative agent
- Rapid removal of fluid & debris by vascular/lymphatic drainage
