Introduction to inflammation Flashcards
Define acute inflammation
The immediate, defensive reaction of tissue to injury in which vascular and exudative processes predominate
Define chronic inflammation
Prolonged and persistent inflammation.
Can be a continuation of acute inflammation or the result of insidious insult, characterised by scar tissue formation
What are macroscopic features of acute inflammation?
Erythema Oedema/ Swelling Warmth Pain Loss of function
What are the microscopic features of acute inflammation?
Vasodilation at tissue level
Increased permeability to tissue
Exudative changes (movement of fluid and proteins to tissue)
What are the macroscopic features of chronic inflammation?
Necrosis
Fibrosis
What are the microscopic features of chronic inflammation?
New leukocytes (raised WBC) Adaptive immunity
What leukocytes are particularly indicative of an acute inflammatory response?
Neutrophils
What leukocytes are particularly indicative of a viral or chronic infection?
Lymphocytes
What leukocytes are particularly indicative of a parasitic infection?
Eosinophils
What leukocytes are particularly indicative of an allergic response?
Basophils
What are the purposes of the normal inflammatory response?
Rids the body of the initial cause of injury
Breaks down cells damaged by injury
What are the benefits of the normal inflammatory response?
Delivery of immune cells and proteins
Dilution of toxins
Elimination of substance and tissue repair
Stimulation of further response
Entry of drugs (increased blood supply to site of injury)
What factors determine the outcomes of the acute inflammatory response?
Age Nutrition Stress Co-morbidities Smoking Prior exposure to pathogens
What are the possible outcomes of acute inflammation?
Resolution
Progression to chronic inflammation
What are the possible outcomes of chronic inflammation?
Repair and return Ongoing inflammation Change in tissue function (atrophy, metaplasia) Dysfunction and scarring Catastrophe (e.g. death)
