Tissue Repair Process

Question 1

What is the inflammatory phase?

Answer 1

First 72 hours

Characterised by ‘cardinal signs’ of inflammation: pain, redness, and heat

Question 2

What about inflammation causes pain?

Answer 2

Chemicals released by damaged cells
Swelling
Influx of fluid into damaged region

Question 3

What about inflammation causes redness?

Answer 3

Vasodilation - the widening of blood vessels

Question 4

What about inflammation causes heat?

Answer 4

Increase in blood flow to the area

Question 5

What are the chemical mediators of the inflammatory process and what do they result in?

Answer 5

Histamine
Kinins
Prostaglandins

Result in vasodilation and increased permeability of vessels, causing oedema

Question 6

What is the proliferation/repair phase?

Answer 6

Up to 3 weeks (depending on severity)
Elimination of debris
Production of fibroblasts
Collagen and other protein fibres are laid down in a haphazard manner