Internal defenses - Inflammation Flashcards
What is chronic inflammation?
Chronic inflammation is consistently heightened inflammation that is adversely negative on the body.
What is the purpose of inflammation?
- To reduce the spread of any pathogens.
- Remove damaged tissue and cell debris.
- Begin repair of damaged tissue.
What are 4 signs of inflammation?
- Redness
- Swelling
- Heat
- Pain
How does redness arise in inflammation?
Redness is due to an increase in blood flow to close a puncture.
How does swelling arise in inflammation?
Swelling is due to an increase of tissue fluid at the affected site.
How does heat arise in inflammation?
Heat is due to vasodilation, causing an increase in blood flow and heat loss.
How does pain arise in inflammation?
Pain is due to pain receptors at the affected site being stimulated.
What is the complement system?
The complement system makes up the immune system. The system is triggered when the body is injured or a pathogen enters. It is made up of plasma proteins that assist in the inflammatory response.
What does the complement system comprise of?
Plasma proteins
How many plasma proteins are found in the complement system?
50 plasma proteins
Describe the step process of the inflammatory response.
- Damage or chemical changes cause mast cells to be activated by complement proteins. Mast cells release histamine, heprin and other chemicals.
- Histamine increases blood flow via vasodilation and increases the permeability of the capillaries, and therefore tissue fluid.
- Heparin prevents clotting in the immediate area. A clot forms around the area, preventing the spread of pathogens.
- Compliment system proteins and chemicals are released by mast cells and attract neutrophils.
- Chemicals released by the mast cells stimulate the pain receptors
- The phagocytes begin to die and become pus.
- New cells are produced via mitosis to repair tissue.
