L3.12 Intro to Inflammation

Question 1

What are the features of acute and chronic inflmmation?

Answer 1

• Acute Inflammation

• Early response, rapid onset
• Lasts several days
• Neutrophils, protein exudate, vasodilation (increase permeability for immune cell delivery), macrophages
• Erythema, swelling, warmth, pain
• Non-specific
• Aims to mediate local defences, destroy infective agents and remove debris

• Chronic Inflammation

• Later response that can last for long periods of time
• Macrophages, lymphocytes
• Fibrosis and scarring
• Acquired immunity

Question 2

What are transudate and exudate?

Answer 2

Exudate: Filled with neutrophils, fluid and protein, formed due to increased vascular permeability and impaired lymphatic drainage

Transudate: occurs with normal vascular permeability, increased hydrostatic pressure and reduced oncotic pressure

Question 3

What are the 3 types of inflammation and their key features?

Answer 3

• Purulent/Suppurative Inflammation: Acute inflammation, neutrophils (lobar pneumonia, bacterial meningitis, abscess, perforated GIT)
• Fibrinous Inflammation: inflammation of a serosal surface. In the tissues underneath there will be inflammation but the fibrin covers the surface and this is where the exudate is present.
• Serous Inflammation: Mainly fluid. Minimal neutrophils and fibrin - predominantly just serious exudate from the blood

Question 4

What are hyperaemia and vasocongestion?

Answer 4

• Hyperemia: active process of vasodilation

* Vasocongestion: passive, due to reduced outflow of blood from tissue