Inflammation and DysfunctionalWound Healing Flashcards
What is the goal of inflammation?
To wall off, prevent spread, and bring defenses to the injured area.
Think of it like putting up roadblocks and sending in police to control a crime scene!
What are the two types of inflammation?
1️⃣ Local inflammation → Happens in one area (like a sprained ankle!)
2️⃣ Systemic inflammation → Affects the whole body (like the flu!)
What are the two durations of inflammation?
✔️ Acute inflammation → Fast & intense, but ends quickly!
❌ Chronic inflammation → Long-lasting, can damage healthy tissue over time!
What are the three phases of acute inflammation?
1️⃣ Increased vascular permeability (blood vessels open up & leak fluid!)
2️⃣ Cellular chemotaxis (WBCs race to the injury site)
3️⃣ Systemic response (the whole body reacts—fever, pain, swelling).
What 2 chemicals dilate blood vessels during inflammation?
Histamine & Bradykinin.
These chemicals make blood vessels expand → More fluid & WBCs rush in!
What are the 5 classic signs of inflammation?
1️⃣ Rubor = Redness 🌶️
2️⃣ Tumor = Swelling 💦
3️⃣ Calor = Heat 🔥
4️⃣ Dolor = Pain 😣
5️⃣ Loss of function = Can’t move properly 🚫
What’s the difference between purulent exudate (pus) & transudate (clear fluid)?
• Purulent exudate = PUS! 🟡 (Thick, white-green, full of dead cells & bacteria).
• Transudate = Clear fluid. (Like from a blister—NOT infected!).
What’s an abscess?
A walled-off collection of pus.
Like a pimple that refuses to pop!
What’s an effusion?
Fluid collecting in a body cavity.
Example: Fluid buildup around the lungs = pleural effusion!
What is chemotaxis?
WBCs follow chemical signals to the injury site!
What is margination?
WBCs line up along the blood vessel wall, ready to fight!
What is leukocytosis?
An increase in WBCs (infection alert!).
What are inflammatory mediators, and what do they do?
They turn inflammation ON or OFF.
• Cytokines → Control inflammation.
• TNF-alpha & Interleukins (ILs) → Make inflammation worse.
What protein is a marker of inflammation & infection?
C-reactive protein (CRP)!
If CRP is high → Inflammation is active!
What does fibrinogen do?
Clumps red blood cells together = Sedimentation rate increases!
Doctors use this test to check for inflammation!
What is serum amyloid A a sign of?
Chronic inflammation (bad!).
Too much for too long = Tissue damage!
What WBCs arrive in the first 6-24 hours?
Neutrophils! (First responders! Short life span!)
What WBCs show up after 24-48 hours?
Monocytes → Macrophages.
These guys clean up the mess and eat dead cells!
What WBCs fight viral infections?
Lymphocytes.
What does it mean if there’s a ‘shift to the left’ in a blood test?
More immature neutrophils (‘bands’) are being made = Severe infection!
What are common symptoms of acute inflammation?
Fever, swollen lymph nodes, sleepiness, low appetite, weight loss.
What are pyrogens, and what do they do?
They cause fevers! WBCs & bacteria release them to raise body temp!
Why is fever sometimes a good thing?
Higher temps help WBCs work faster & kill bacteria!
Why should kids never take aspirin for fever?
It can cause Reye’s Syndrome (a deadly brain/liver disease!).
How long does chronic inflammation last?
Weeks or months!
What are examples of diseases caused by chronic inflammation?
• Tuberculosis, syphilis (infections).
• Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus (autoimmune diseases).
• Black lung disease (toxic exposure).
• Atherosclerosis (chronic artery inflammation).
What are granulomas?
A wall of immune cells surrounding an infection (seen in TB).
What are the 4 phases of wound healing?
1️⃣ Hemostasis (blood clotting).
2️⃣ Inflammation (clean-up crew!).
3️⃣ Proliferation (new tissue grows!).
4️⃣ Remodeling (scar forms).
What is angiogenesis?
New blood vessels form to supply healing tissue.
Like a new road being built!
What is primary intention healing?
Minimal tissue loss, edges close together (like a surgical cut).
What is secondary intention healing?
More tissue loss → Granulation & scarring (deep wounds!).
What is tertiary intention healing?
Large tissue loss → Needs skin grafting or packing (burns, pressure ulcers).
What is eschar?
Dead tissue that falls off (like a thick scab).
What is debridement?
Removing dead tissue so healing can happen faster.
What is a fistula?
An abnormal connection between two structures (e.g., tracheoesophageal fistula).
