Chronic Inflammation Overview

Study Notes

Overview of Chronic Inflammation

Involves a delayed response of tissue or organs to injury, persisting for weeks or months.
Characterized by active inflammation, tissue destruction, and healing attempts occurring simultaneously.

Key Cells Involved in Chronic Inflammation

Monocytes: Precursor to macrophages; migrate to sites of inflammation.
Macrophages: Key players in chronic inflammation; engulf pathogens and debris.
Lymphocytes: Includes T-cells and B-cells, involved in immune response.
Plasma Cells: Produce antibodies; derived from B-lymphocytes.
Eosinophils: Functions primarily in allergic responses and parasitic infections.

Morphologic Patterns of Chronic Inflammation

Non-Specific Chronic Inflammation:
- Diffuse accumulation of macrophages and lymphocytes at the inflammation site.
- Example: Chronic pancreatitis.
Granulomatous Inflammation:
- Characterized by the formation of granulomas, which are small nodular collections of modified macrophages.

Granuloma Formation

Granuloma:
- Composed of modified macrophages known as epithelioid cells, which have a squamous cell-like appearance.
- Surrounded by a rim of lymphocytes, plasma cells, eosinophils, and giant cells.
Giant Cells:
- Formed by the fusion of multiple macrophages, displaying large cells with a cytoplasm resembling epithelial cells and containing multiple nuclei.

Example of Granulomatous Inflammation

Tuberculosis:
- Exhibits follicular clusters of epithelioid histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells.
- The outer region of follicles contains small lymphocytes and plasma cells, contributing to the immune response.

Description

This quiz covers the key concepts of chronic inflammation including its duration, cellular components, and morphological patterns. Explore the role of various immune cells like monocytes, macrophages, and lymphocytes in the chronic inflammatory response.