Inflammation

Question 1

Describe the overall picture of inflammation…

Answer 1

• A complex reaction in tissues consisting mainly of responses to blood vessels and leucocytes
• A response to an initiating event
• Consists of a series of events which overlap to form a continuum
• Plasma proteins, leukocytes and tissue phagocytes are the primary defenders against foreign bodies

Question 2

What are the 5 cardinal signs of inflammation?

Answer 2

1. Heat
2. Redness
3. Swelling
4. Pain
5. Loss of function

Question 3

What are the 5 components of ALL inflammatory responses?

Answer 3

1. Changes in vascular permeability for increased supply of cells and proteins
2. Induction of haemostasis and fibrinolysis to stop bleeding and provide a temporary matrix for healing
3. Platelet activation and secretion to plug leaks and initiate repair
4. Monocyte recruitment and phagocytosis to remove debris and stimulate repair
5. Tissue repair to reconstruct or replace damaged tissue