Pathophysiology Fundamentals (2)

Question 1

Acute Inflammation

Answer 1

rapid onset with both vascular and cellular responses
marked by redness, warmth, swelling, pain and loss of function
body’s primary defence mechanism that is activated in response to cell damage -> this response is constant regardless of the injury cause
Systemic symptoms like fever can occur
conditions named with ‘itis’ e.g. arthritis
Inflammatory mediators: initiated by the release of pro -inflammatory chemicals like histamine and prostaglandins from damaged cells, determining the intensity of the response

Question 2

What is the purpose of inflammation?

Answer 2

to swiftly neutralise the damaging agent in order to prevent further harm to cells, to clean up the site of injury so healing can begin
- if injurious agent continues to persist, then the inflammation becomes chronic -> it prevents the completion of the healing process and causes further tissue damage

Question 3

Vascular Phase of inflammation

Answer 3

pro inflammatory mediators triggers vasodilation -> leads to relaxation of pre-capillary arterioles which increases blood flow
capillary permeability increases -> plasma leaks into interstitial fluid -> leads to swelling and pain
Plasma proteins trigger cascading reactions which are complement formation, kinin production and blood coagulation
Exudates: is a fluid that leaks from blood vessels into tissues, carrying cells and plasma components and diluting toxins
Exudate types include serous, fibrinous, purulent, and hemorrhagic.

Question 4

Cellular Phase of Inflammation

Answer 4

white blood cells, especially phagocytes, migrate to the injury site. Neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages ingest debris and release pryogens, potentially inducing fever

Question 5

Chronic Inflammation

Answer 5

lasts over two weeks when the inflammatory response can’t neutralise the injurious agent
dominated by the lymphocytes and macrophages, and involve fibroblast activation for tissue repair -> leads to fibrous connective tissue

Question 6

Healing and Repair Process

Answer 6

aims to restore functional tissue cells and tissue continuity through scar formation
it begins within days of injury with scar maturation lasting years
Types of healing:
first intention healing: involves minimal tissue loss and rapid recovery
Second intention healing: seen in severe burns and ulcers, results in extensive scarring and prolonged recovery with possible complications like contractures and significant tissue loss