Inflammatory response (jove) Flashcards
What is the inflammatory response?
Is part of the immune system, acting as a localized, nonspecific reaction to injury or infection.
What are the 2 key features of the inflammatory response?
- Localized Reaction
- Nonspecific:
What is Localized Reaction of the inflammatory response?
- Localized Reaction: Occurs at the site of injury or infection.
What is Nonspecific Reaction of the inflammatory response?
- Nonspecific: Not targeted at a specific pathogen but rather a general response to any damaging stimulus.
What are the 5 symptoms of the inflammatory response?
- Redness: Caused by increased blood flow to the affected area.
- Swelling: Resulting from the accumulation of fluid in the tissues.
- Heat: Due to increased blood flow and metabolic activity.
- Pain: Triggered by inflammatory chemicals that stimulate nerve endings.
- Loss of Function: May occur in severe cases due to pain and swelling.
What 4 triggers the inflammatory response?
- Physical Damage: Abrasions or cuts.
- Chemical Irritants: Substances that can cause tissue damage.
- Pathogens: Bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
- Extreme Temperatures: Both heat and cold can induce inflammation.
What is the mechanism of the inflammatory response?
- Injury or Infection: A damaging stimulus occurs.
- Chemical Release: Damaged tissues and immune cells secrete inflammatory chemicals.
- Histamine: Released by mast cells, increases blood vessel dilation and permeability.
- Prostaglandins: Also released by mast cells, contribute to inflammation and pain.
- Vasodilation: Increased blood flow leads to redness and heat.
- Increased Permeability: Plasma fluid leaks into tissues, causing swelling and pressure.
- Enhanced Immune Activity: Influx of immune cells (phagocytes) to the site of injury to combat pathogens and clear debris.
What is the importance of the inflammatory response? (2)
-Accelerates Healing: The inflammatory response helps to clear out pathogens and damaged cells, facilitating tissue repair.
- Boosts Immune Function: Increases the activity of immune cells and enzymes that fight infections.
What is the conclusion about the inflammatory response?
The inflammatory response is a vital mechanism that protects the body from harm and initiates healing processes.