Inflammation: Acute and Chronic

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of inflammation?

To initiate the process of repair

To increase body temperature

Both A and B (correct)

To eliminate the initial cause of cell injury

What are the five Rs of the inflammatory response?

Recognition, Recruitment, Removal, Regulation, Resolution

Acute inflammation has a slow onset and long duration.

False

The primary leukocyte involved in acute inflammation is the ______.

neutrophil Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the cardinal signs of inflammation?

Calor, Rubor, Tumor, Dolor, Functio laesa Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a stimulus for acute inflammation?

Vitamin deficiency Signup and view all the answers

Chronic inflammation is characterized by the accumulation of neutrophils.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of phagocytes in inflammation?

To recognize and engulf pathogens and dead cells Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms related to inflammation with their definitions:

Calor = Heat Rubor = Redness Tumor = Swelling Dolor = Pain Functio laesa = Loss of function Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Inflammation Overview

Inflammation is a protective response involving host cells, blood vessels, proteins, and mediators.
The primary purposes are to eliminate the cause of cell injury and initiate tissue repair.

Mechanisms of Inflammation

Inflammation promotes dilution, destruction, and neutralization of harmful agents (e.g., microbes, toxins).
Isolation of affected areas and repair of damaged tissues are also key roles.
Although essential for defense, inflammation can cause significant harm during its response.

Agents of Host Defense

Inflammation involves cells and molecules, plasma proteins, and leukocytes (white blood cells).
The goal is to transport these agents to the site of infection or damage.

Steps of Inflammatory Response

REMEMBER: The five Rs
- Recognition of injurious agent
- Recruitment of leukocytes
- Removal of the agent
- Regulation (control) of the response
- Resolution (repair)

Types of Inflammation

Acute Inflammation
- Rapid onset, lasting from minutes to days.
- Characterized by fluid and plasma protein exudation with neutrophilic leukocyte accumulation.
Chronic Inflammation
- More insidious with extended duration (days to years).
- Involves lymphocytes, macrophages, tissue destruction, vascular proliferation, and fibrosis (scarring).

Cardinal Signs of Inflammation

Calor: Heat from vasodilation.
Rubor: Redness from vasodilation.
Tumor: Swelling due to edema.
Dolor: Pain from local release of prostaglandins and kinins.
Functio laesa: Loss or impairment of function.

Termination of Inflammation

Inflammation ceases once the offending agent is removed, though the reaction can sometimes lead to disease.

Major Components of Acute Inflammation

Vascular Changes:
- Vasodilation increases blood flow.
- Enhanced vascular permeability results in edema.
- Endothelial cell activation facilitates leukocyte migration.
Cellular Events:
- Cellular emigration and recruitment of leukocytes.
- Activation of leukocytes to respond to injury.

Stimuli for Acute Inflammation

Infectious agents (bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic) and microbial toxins.
Physical trauma (both blunt and penetrating) and chemical agents.
Tissue necrosis from ischemia and other causes.
Presence of foreign bodies (e.g., splinters, dirt).
Immune reactions, including hypersensitivity.

Recognition of Agents

Cells utilize receptors to identify infectious pathogens and dead cell products.
Key players include phagocytes, dendritic cells, and other epithelial cells.

Key Receptor Families

Toll-like Receptors: Ten mammalian types that detect pathogens.
Inflammasome: Multi-protein complex recognizing products of dead cells (e.g., uric acid, ATP, crystals).

Recruitment of Leukocytes

Central to the inflammatory response, involving the movement and accumulation of leukocytes to the site of injury or infection.

Description

Explore the concepts of inflammation, focusing on both acute and chronic responses. Understand the roles of host cells, blood vessels, and various mediators in this protective response. This quiz serves as a comprehensive guide for educational discussions on inflammation.