PATHO Flashcards
What is inflammation?
A protective response of the body to injury or infection, aimed at removing harmful stimuli and initiating tissue repair.
Inflammation is crucial for the healing process and involves various cellular and molecular mechanisms.
Describe the process of inflammation.
- Initiation: Triggered by injury or infection, releasing chemical mediators.
- Vasodilation: Increased blood flow to the area.
- Increased Permeability: Allows immune cells and proteins to enter tissues.
- Leukocyte Recruitment: Neutrophils and macrophages migrate to the site.
- Resolution: Removal of debris and initiation of repair.
Each step is essential for effective inflammation and healing.
What are the mediators of inflammation?
- Cell-derived: Histamine, prostaglandins, cytokines (IL-1, TNF-α).
- Plasma-derived: Complement system, bradykinin.
These mediators play key roles in regulating the inflammatory response.
Define apoptosis.
Programmed cell death; energy-dependent and does not elicit inflammation.
Apoptosis is a normal physiological process important for development and homeostasis.
Define necrosis.
Uncontrolled cell death; leads to inflammation.
Necrosis often results from injury or disease and can cause damage to surrounding tissues.
What is the difference between apoptosis and necrosis?
Apoptosis is organized, while necrosis is a pathological process.
Understanding these differences is crucial for studying cell biology and pathology.
What are the cardinal signs of inflammation?
- Redness (rubor)
- Swelling (tumor)
- Heat (calor)
- Pain (dolor)
- Loss of function (functio laesa)
These signs are used clinically to assess inflammation.
What is acute inflammation?
Rapid onset, short duration, involves neutrophils, and resolves quickly.
Acute inflammation is often a response to injury or infection.
What is chronic inflammation?
Slow onset, long duration, involves lymphocytes and macrophages, with persistent tissue damage and repair.
Chronic inflammation can contribute to various diseases, including autoimmune disorders.
Fill in the blank: The main cells involved in acute inflammation are _______.
neutrophils.
Neutrophils are the first responders to sites of inflammation.
True or False: Apoptosis leads to inflammation.
False.
Apoptosis is a non-inflammatory process, unlike necrosis.