Inflammation and Immune Response Quiz

The process of white blood cells (WBCs) being released from the bone marrow into the bloodstream, usually in response to inflammation or infection.

The five cardinal signs of inflammation: redness (rubor), swelling (tumor), heat (calor), pain (dolor), and loss of function (functio laesa).

The process by which white blood cells (WBCs) are attracted to the site of inflammation or infection.

Fluid that leaks from blood vessels into tissues during inflammation, containing little protein and mainly a watery filtrate of blood.

Inflammation causes increased fluid in the tissues, diluting toxins and lowering the pH, making the environment less favorable for microbial growth.

A fluid rich in protein, WBCs, microbial organisms, and cellular debris, typically found in infections.

A localized, walled-off collection of purulent exudate (pus) within tissue.

The phase of inflammation where capillary pores open, allowing fluid, WBCs, and platelets to move into the tissues.

Enzymes that break down phospholipids, key components of white blood cell membranes, releasing arachidonic acid.

A fatty acid released by phospholipases, serving as a precursor to crucial inflammatory mediators.

A group of molecules that regulate inflammation, pain, and other physiological processes.

Inhibition of this enzyme by NSAIDs prevents the production of both PG1 and PG2 prostaglandins.

These prostaglandins promote beneficial processes like gastric mucus production, renal perfusion, and clot formation.

These prostaglandins are mainly involved in promoting inflammation, pain, and edema.

Proteins released by white blood cells that amplify or deactivate inflammation.

Proteins that attract white blood cells to the site of injury.

Proteins produced by the liver in response to inflammation, aiding in immune defense.

White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are crucial components of the immune system responsible for defending the body against infections and foreign invaders.

Neutrophils are a type of WBC known for their rapid response to infection. They engulf and destroy bacteria and other harmful microbes through a process called phagocytosis.

Immature neutrophils are called bands or stabs. They are released from the bone marrow when the body needs more neutrophils to fight an infection.

Mature neutrophils have multi-segmented nuclei and are sometimes called segmented neutrophils (segs). They are highly active in engulfing and destroying harmful invaders.

Phagocytosis is the process by which neutrophils engulf and destroy invading microbes or cellular debris. It involves recognition, engulfment, and breakdown of the foreign material.

A respiratory burst occurs when neutrophils produce free radicals (superoxides) to damage microbial membranes. This is a powerful mechanism for killing bacteria.

Free radicals contain a superoxide anion (O2-) which is a highly reactive oxygen molecule with a free electron. They damage microbial membranes and can also harm host cells.

Antioxidant vitamins like A, C, E, and beta carotene can help protect healthy tissues from damage caused by free radicals during inflammatory processes.

A type of medication that reduces fever by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins.

A life-threatening condition that occurs when a viral infection triggers mitochondrial failure, leading to liver failure and brain damage.

The sensation of coldness that occurs when your body temperature is lower than your hypothalamic set point, triggering shivering and vasoconstriction.

The part of the brain that regulates body temperature.

Chemicals released by white blood cells that trigger fever by resetting the hypothalamic temperature-control center.

The process of the body increasing its temperature to fight infection.

The enlargement of lymph nodes due to inflammation.

Small, bean-shaped organs located throughout the body that filter lymph fluid and contain lymphocytes.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein in the blood that increases during inflammation. It is a key indicator of inflammation, helping mark foreign material for immune responses and activate the complement system.

High sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) is a specific test that measures a type of CRP associated with increased risk of heart attacks in individuals with coronary artery disease.

Fibrinogen is a blood protein that increases during inflammation. When elevated, it causes red blood cells to clump together, leading to a higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a laboratory test that measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a sample of blood. A high ESR indicates active inflammation in the body.

Elevated levels of CRP, fibrinogen, and ESR are often found together during an active inflammatory process, indicating a high likelihood of inflammation in the body.

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is a protein that increases during inflammation. Prolonged elevation of SAA contributes to amyloidosis, a condition associated with long-term inflammation.

Hepcidin is a hormone that regulates iron levels in the blood. Elevated hepcidin levels are associated with decreased iron storage, a condition that can lead to anemia in chronic inflammatory conditions.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukins (ILs), histamine, kinins, platelet-activating factor (PAF), prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and substance P are some of the key inflammatory mediators, each contributing to different aspects of the inflammatory process.

Prostaglandins (PGs) produced by the COX-1 pathway play a crucial role in maintaining normal bodily functions like gastric mucus secretion, renal blood flow, and blood clotting. They are not directly involved in inflammation.

Prostaglandins (PGs) produced by the COX-2 pathway are responsible for the uncomfortable symptoms of inflammation, such as fever, swelling, and pain. They contribute to the inflammatory response itself.

Leukotrienes are inflammatory mediators that cause bronchospasm and bronchiole edema, primarily contributing to the symptoms of asthma and allergic reactions.

TNF-alpha, IL-1, and IL-6 are major cytokines produced by macrophages during inflammation. They trigger fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy, contributing to the systemic effects of inflammation.

TNF-alpha plays a crucial role in regulating body's response to inflammation. It increases WBC release, promotes energy mobilization, and triggers the release of corticosteroids, ultimately impacting weight and energy balance.

Sepsis is a severe condition where bacteria enter the bloodstream, leading to a systemic inflammatory response. This triggers a cascade of events, including hypotension, vasodilation, rapid heart rate, and decreased blood pH.

Acute inflammation can have three potential outcomes: complete resolution, healing by connective tissue formation, or chronic, persistent inflammation. Ideally, acute inflammation resolves quickly, eliminating the harmful stimulus and restoring the tissue to its normal state.

Resolution of inflammation involves a restoration of normal tissue function. This process includes the normalization of vascular permeability, clearance of inflammatory mediators, removal of debris and edema, and apoptosis of WBCs, restoring the tissue to its original state.