inflammation Flashcards
Describe acute inflammation.
Acute inflammation is a rapid and short-lived response of the body’s immune system to tissue injury, infection, or other harmful stimuli.
What is the primary purpose of acute inflammation?
The primary purpose of acute inflammation is to eliminate the cause of cell injury, clear out necrotic cells and tissues damaged from the original insult, and initiate tissue repair.
What are some causes of acute inflammation related to infections?
Bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections can all stimulate an inflammatory response.
How does physical injury or trauma contribute to acute inflammation?
Any form of physical injury, such as cuts, burns, fractures, or blunt trauma, can lead to tissue damage and activate the inflammatory response.
Define tissue necrosis.
Tissue necrosis refers to cell death due to various causes, including ischemia (lack of blood supply), toxins, or certain diseases.
Describe how foreign bodies can cause inflammation.
Foreign bodies, such as splinters or medical implants, can cause irritation and trigger an inflammatory response in the body.
Define ischemia and infarction and explain how they can cause inflammation.
Ischemia refers to reduced blood flow, while infarction refers to complete cessation of blood flow to tissues. Both can cause cellular damage and inflammation.
How do autoimmune diseases contribute to inflammation?
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to inflammation.
Do immune reactions play a role in inflammation? If so, how?
Yes, immune reactions, such as hypersensitivity or allergic reactions, can lead to inflammation. The immune system reacts to harmless substances as if they were threats, triggering an inflammatory response.
Describe the role of immune complexes in triggering inflammation in autoimmune diseases.
Immune complexes, formed by the binding of antigens and antibodies, can deposit in tissues and activate the complement system, leading to inflammation in autoimmune diseases.
Define chronic inflammation and provide examples of autoimmune diseases associated with it.
Chronic inflammation is a prolonged immune response that persists over time. Examples of autoimmune diseases associated with chronic inflammation include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
How can physical agents such as extreme temperatures or radiation cause inflammation?
Physical agents like extreme temperatures or radiation can cause tissue damage, which triggers an inflammatory response.
Do immune complexes deposit in tissues and activate the complement system?
Yes, immune complexes can deposit in tissues and activate the complement system, leading to inflammation.
Describe the role of acute inflammation in the elimination of agents.
Acute inflammation helps the immune system recognize and neutralize pathogens and damaged cells, promoting their elimination.
What is the process by which immune cells engulf and digest pathogens and cellular debris?
Phagocytosis.
How does acute inflammation help contain the damage caused by injury or infection?
Acute inflammation isolates the affected area through changes in blood flow, increased permeability of blood vessels, and the formation of a fibrin clot.
What is the role of inflammation in tissue repair?
Inflammation triggers the activation of growth factors and signals that promote cell proliferation and tissue regeneration, aiding in the restoration of normal tissue structure and function.
Describe how acute inflammation enhances the immune response.
Acute inflammation activates various components of the immune system, including the complement system, which assists in the defense against pathogens.
Describe the role of acute inflammation in promoting the activation and recruitment of immune cells.
Acute inflammation promotes the activation and recruitment of immune cells to the site of infection or injury.
What is the function of the fibrin clot formed during acute inflammation?
The fibrin clot formed during acute inflammation helps in preventing excessive bleeding at the site of injury and provides a temporary scaffold for tissue repair.
How does acute inflammation contribute to the initiation of adaptive immune responses?
Acute inflammation plays a role in initiating adaptive immune responses by releasing antigens that can be recognized by immune cells, leading to the development of a more specific and targeted immune response.
What is the purpose of pain sensation associated with inflammation?
Pain sensation serves as a warning signal, alerting individuals to potential dangers and encouraging behaviors that protect the injured area, allowing it to heal.
How does acute inflammation help prevent the spread of infection?
Acute inflammation helps prevent the spread of infection by recruiting immune cells and isolating the site of infection, preventing pathogens from spreading to other parts of the body.
Describe microvascular changes.
Microvascular changes refer to alterations in the small blood vessels, including capillaries, arterioles, and venu, that occur in response to various physiological or pathological conditions.