inflammation

Question 1

What is inflammation

Answer 1

natural response of the body to a pathogen

First step in the healing process

Mainly a function of the blood vessels

Aims to attract leukocytes in the affected area

Question 2

Which are the cardinal signs of inflammation and why do they occur

Answer 2

Pain - Certain chemical mediators stimulate sensory nerve endings giving pain. Nerves also stimulated by stretching from swelling.

Heat and Redness - Increased blood flow due to vascular dilatation gives redness and heat.

Swelling - Increased vascular permeability gives oedema causing tissue swelling.

Loss of function - Pain and swelling result in loss of function

Question 3

What is a pathogen

Answer 3

Any organism that causes disease in a different organism

Viruses - Influenza, chicken pox

Bacteria - Food poisoning

Fungi - athletes foot

Parasites - Protozoa, helminths

Question 4

what are leukocytes

Answer 4

Only formed elements in the blood that are complete cells

Normally less than 1% total blood volume

Question 5

Please describe the main functional characteristics of leukoctyes

Answer 5

Diapedesis - ability to slip out of the capillaries and into the tissues

Amoeboid motion - moving through tissue spaces by forming cytoplasmic extensions and rolling along other cells

Positive chemotaxis - ability to pinpoint affected areas by following chemical trails of inflammatory molecules.

Question 6

what are the main characteristics of chronic inflammation

Answer 6

Chronic presence of lymphocytes and macrophages in the affected area tissue

Neo-vascularisation

Fibrosis and necrosis of tissues in and around the affected area

Active inflammation, tissue damage, and healing process occur at the same time.

Question 7

Potential causes of chronic inflammation

Answer 7

persistent infections

Prolonged exposure to toxic agents

Autoimmunity (Rheumatic conditions, Diabetes)