Inflammation Flashcards
What are the physiological hallmarks of acute inflammation?
Localized vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and leukocyte infiltration.
What are neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)?
NETs are structures released by neutrophils composed of chromatin and cytotoxic proteins, involved in trapping and killing pathogens.
Describe the process of wound healing by primary intention.
Healing where wound edges are closely approximated; minimal tissue loss and rapid healing with minimal scarring.
What is the role of fibroblasts in wound healing?
Fibroblasts synthesize collagen and extracellular matrix components essential for wound repair and scar formation.
How does chronic inflammation differ from acute inflammation?
Chronic inflammation persists over weeks to months, characterized by dense lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration.
What is the function of complement component C3b?
C3b acts as an opsonin, enhancing phagocytosis by binding to microorganisms and marking them for destruction.
Describe the clinical manifestations of inflammation.
Local signs include redness, heat, swelling, and pain; systemic effects include fever and elevated acute phase reactants.
Explain the mechanisms of fever.
Fever is triggered by pyrogens, stimulating prostaglandin release in the hypothalamus, raising the body’s temperature set point.
Why is oxygen crucial for wound healing?
Oxygen is essential for cellular metabolism, collagen synthesis, and microbial killing during wound healing.
Differentiate between hypertrophic scars and keloid scars.
Hypertrophic scars remain within the boundaries of the wound and regress over time; keloid scars extend beyond the wound edges and are permanent.
What are the stages of normal wound healing?
Hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation (granulation tissue formation and epithelialization), and remodeling (maturation).
How does diabetes mellitus affect wound healing?
Diabetes impairs wound healing due to microvascular disease, reduced immune function, and altered collagen synthesis.
What are the physiological changes in aging that affect wound healing?
Decreased perfusion, thinning and less elastic skin, and impaired immune response contribute to delayed wound healing in older adults.
Explain the role of leukotrienes in inflammation.
Leukotrienes cause smooth muscle contraction, increased vascular permeability, and leukocyte chemotaxis during inflammation.
What are the systemic effects of inflammation?
Fever, leukocytosis, and elevated acute phase reactants (e.g., CRP, fibrinogen) are systemic responses to inflammation.
Describe the role of platelets in inflammation.
Platelets promote clot formation, release inflammatory mediators, and contribute to vascular repair during inflammation.
Why does hypoproteinemia prolong inflammation?
Hypoproteinemia impairs fibroblast proliferation and wound healing due to inadequate protein availability for tissue repair.
What are the functions of the kinin system in inflammation?
The kinin system produces bradykinin, which enhances vascular permeability, causes pain, and induces smooth muscle contraction.
How does fibrin deposition affect wound healing?
Excessive fibrin impedes wound healing by forming fibrous adhesions and delaying tissue remodeling.
Describe the role of macrophages in wound healing.
Describe the role of macrophages in wound healing.
Answer: Macrophages phagocytose debris, secrete growth factors, and promote tissue repair and remodeling during wound healing.