Chapter 5 - Inflammation and Healing Flashcards
abscess
a swollen area within body tissue, containing an accumulation of pus
adhesions
bands of scar tissue joining two surfaces that are normally separated; they prevent normal movement of the structures and may eventually cause distortion or twisting of the tissue
angiogenesis
the physiological process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels
chemical mediators
a nonspecific term for a chemical agent which carries out a process or reaction
chemotaxis
the movement of an organism or entity in response to a chemical stimulus
contracture
a permanent shortening of a muscle or joint
diapedesis
the passage of blood cells through the intact walls of the capillaries, typically accompanying inflammation
erythrocyte sedimentation rate
a type of blood test that measures how quickly erythrocytes (red blood cells) settle at the bottom of a test tube that contains a blood sample
exudate
a fluid emitted by an organism through pores or a wound, a process known as exuding or exudation
fibrinogen
a glycoprotein complex, made in the liver, that circulates in the blood of all vertebrates
fibroblast
a cell in connective tissue which produces collagen and other fibers
glucocorticoids
any of a group of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex or made synthetically. There are two kinds: glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. They have various metabolic functions and some are used to treat inflammation
granulation tissue
new connective tissue and microscopic blood vessels that form on the surfaces of a wound during the healing process
granuloma
a small mass of cells with a necrotic center and covered by connective tissue; it may develop around a foreign object such as a splinter or as part of the immune response in some infections such as tuberculosis
interferons
a protein released by animal cells, usually in response to the entry of a virus, which has the property of inhibiting virus replication
isoenzymes
also called isozymes; enzymes that differ in amino acid sequence but catalyze the same chemical reaction
leukocyte
a colorless cell that circulates in the blood and body fluids and is involved in counteracting foreign substances and disease; also called a white (blood) cell
leukocytosis
A condition characterized by increased levels of leukocytes in the blood. Although this typically occurs when you’re sick, it can also be caused by several other factors, such as stress.
macrophage
active in phagocytosis; these are mature monocytes that have migrated into tissues from the blood
malaise
a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness whose exact cause is difficult to identify
neutrophil
The most abundant type of granulocytes; they make up 40% to 70% of all white blood cells in humans. They form an essential part of the innate immune system, with their functions varying in different animals
glucocorticoids
any of a group of corticosteroids which are involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and have anti-inflammatory activity
phagocytosis
the ingestion of bacteria or other material by phagocytes and amoeboid protozoans
purulent
consisting of, containing, or discharging pus
pyrexia
raised body temperature; fever
pyrogens
a substance, typically produced by a bacterium, which produces fever when introduced or released into the blood
stenosis
a narrowing or constriction of the diameter of a bodily passage or orifice
ulcer
a sore on the lining of your stomach, small intestine or esophagus
vasodilation
the dilatation of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure