Inflammation and Immunology Overview

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes acute inflammation?

It is a prolonged response lasting for several months.

It is exclusive to chronic diseases.

It occurs immediately after injury or infection with rapid onset. (correct)

It leads directly to tissue necrosis.

Which of the following conditions is an example of chronic inflammation?

Skin reactions to a scratch.

A sore throat.

Acute appendicitis.

Hepatitis B and C infections. (correct)

What does the suffix '-itis' indicate in medical terminology?

Contamination of a wound.

Inflammation of a specific organ or tissue. (correct)

Presence of bacteria.

Tissue necrosis.

What is the primary difference between colonisation and infection?

Infection involves pathogenic microorganisms, while colonisation does not cause disease. Signup and view all the answers

What can chronic inflammation lead to if it persists over time?

Ongoing tissue damage and repair. Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the presence of microorganisms on a body surface without causing disease?

Colonisation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the body's inflammatory response?

To activate immune cells and initiate healing. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about inflammation is false?

Inflammation can occur without previous injury. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of red blood cells (RBCs) in relation to inflammation?

Transport oxygen and carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

Which type of white blood cell is the first responder to infection and injury?

Neutrophils Signup and view all the answers

Which type of leukocyte is predominantly involved in combating parasitic infections?

Eosinophils Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of platelets in the inflammatory response?

Release growth factors and cytokines Signup and view all the answers

Which type of granulocyte is least common in the bloodstream?

Basophils Signup and view all the answers

How do lymphocytes enhance the adaptive immune response?

By producing antibodies and killing infected cells Signup and view all the answers

What happens to monocytes once they migrate to tissues?

They differentiate into macrophages or dendritic cells Signup and view all the answers

Which type of white blood cells are responsible for releasing histamine during allergic reactions?

Basophils Signup and view all the answers

What causes the redness associated with inflammation?

Increased blood flow due to vasodilation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main contributor to the swelling seen in inflammation?

Increased vascular permeability Signup and view all the answers

Which chemical mediator is involved in the stimulation of nerve endings leading to pain during inflammation?

Bradykinin Signup and view all the answers

What is diapedesis in the context of inflammation?

The movement of leukocytes into inflamed tissue Signup and view all the answers

What leads to the dysfunction observed in an inflamed area?

Swelling and tissue damage Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the importance of exudate in the inflammatory process?

It helps localize the infection and initiates healing. Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the increased permeability of blood vessels during inflammation?

Disassembly of tight junctions Signup and view all the answers

Which cell type is the first responder to an acute inflammatory event?

Neutrophils Signup and view all the answers

What role does histamine play in the inflammatory response?

Increases vascular permeability and causes vasodilation Signup and view all the answers

Which plasma mediator is produced via the cyclooxygenase pathway from arachidonic acid?

Prostaglandins Signup and view all the answers

Which factor initiates the extrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade?

Tissue factor (Factor III) Signup and view all the answers

What complication can arise from untreated acute appendicitis?

Perforation Signup and view all the answers

How can inflammation contribute to the development of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

By activating the coagulation cascade Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with acute appendicitis?

Jaundice Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes chronic inflammation?

Continuous recruitment of immune cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances is primarily responsible for vasodilation during inflammation?

Serotonin Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of cytokines in the immune response?

Promotion of inflammation and cell recruitment Signup and view all the answers

Which pathway produces leukotrienes that contribute to bronchoconstriction?

Lipoxygenase Pathway Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of histamine in inflammation?

Induces vasodilation and increases vascular permeability Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a function of growth factors in inflammation?

Promotion of cell differentiation and proliferation Signup and view all the answers

What primarily results from the activation of neutrophils during acute inflammation?

Release of inflammatory mediators Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is associated with chronic inflammation?

Rheumatoid Arthritis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of nitric oxide (NO) in the body?

To serve as a potent vasodilator Signup and view all the answers

Which pathway in the coagulation cascade is activated by tissue factor released from damaged tissues?

Extrinsic pathway Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the intrinsic pathway of coagulation?

Activation of Factor XII Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of thrombin in the coagulation process?

To convert fibrinogen into fibrin Signup and view all the answers

What process occurs to dissolve clots after healing has taken place?

Fibrinolysis Signup and view all the answers

How does thrombin influence the inflammatory response?

By enhancing vascular permeability Signup and view all the answers

What is the immediate response of blood vessels to injury known as?

Vascular spasm Signup and view all the answers

Which component is primarily responsible for forming a temporary seal at the site of a blood vessel injury?

Platelets Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Inflammation, Immunology, and Coagulation

Inflammation, immunology, and coagulation are interconnected processes vital for the body's defense mechanisms
This unit covers key concepts, terminology, and physiological processes related to both inflammation and immunity, as well as the coagulation cascade's role in homeostasis.

Inflammation Terminology and Concepts

Acute Inflammation

Definition: The body's immediate and early response to injury or infection, characterized by rapid onset and typically resolving within days.
Examples: Sore throat, skin reactions to scratches, burns, insect bites, acute appendicitis.

Chronic Inflammation

Definition: A prolonged inflammatory response that can last for weeks, months, or even years. Occurs when an initial acute response fails to resolve the cause of injury, leading to ongoing tissue damage and repair.
Examples: Viral infections (Hepatitis B & C), exposure to toxins (asbestos), allergies, autoimmune diseases.

Inflammation Terminology

Colonisation: Presence of bacteria on body surfaces (e.g., skin, mucosa) without causing disease or inflammation; part of normal flora.
Contamination: Presence of microorganisms on a body surface, object, or in a wound without causing infection or inflammation.
Inflammation: The body's complex response to harmful stimuli, involving immune cells, increased blood flow, and chemical mediators to remove the cause of injury and initiate healing.
Infection: Pathogenic microorganisms' invasion and multiplication leading to inflammation and possible clinical symptoms like fever, pus formation, and tissue damage.
Suffix -itis: Commonly used to denote inflammation of a specific organ or tissue. (e.g., appendicitis, dermatitis).

Key Cells Involved in Inflammation

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

Function: Transport oxygen from lungs to tissues, and remove carbon dioxide. Not directly involved in inflammation, presence may indicate vascular injury.

Platelets

Function: Crucial for blood clotting and wound healing; release growth factors and cytokines that contribute to inflammation and repair.

White Blood Cells (WBCs) or Leukocytes (Granulocytes)

Neutrophils: Most abundant WBCs (50-70%). First responders to infection, performing phagocytosis (engulf and destroy pathogens). Release enzymes and reactive oxygen species to kill bacteria.
Eosinophils: (2-4% of WBCs). Primarily involved in combating parasitic infections and modulating allergic responses. Release enzymes that degrade inflammatory mediators.
Basophils: Least common granulocyte. Release histamine, heparin, and serotonin, contributing to the inflammatory response and allergic reactions.

Leukocytes (Agranulocytes)

Lymphocytes: Crucial for the adaptive immune response. Include B cells (produce antibodies) and T cells (directly kill infected cells or coordinate immune response).

Monocytes

Differentiate into macrophages or dendritic cells; involved in phagocytosis, antigen presentation, and cytokine secretion to regulate inflammation.

The Cardinal Signs of Inflammation

Rubor (Redness): Increased blood flow to the inflamed area.
Calor (Heat): Increased blood flow and metabolic activity of inflammatory cells.
Tumor (Swelling): Accumulation of fluid in tissue spaces.
Dolor (Pain): Release of chemicals (prostaglandins, bradykinin).
Functio Laesa (Loss of Function): Result of pain, swelling, and tissue damage.

Injury and Inflammation Process

Exudate and Vascular Permeability: Chemical mediators cause vasodilation and increased permeability, allowing proteins and leukocytes to enter affected tissues.
Disassembly of Cell Junctions: Increased vascular permeability due to breakdown of junctions between endothelial cells.
Diapedesis: Leukocytes exit the bloodstream and enter inflamed tissue.
Oedema: Fluid accumulation in tissue spaces.

Plasma Mediators of Inflammation

Histamine: Released by basophils, mast cells, and platelets, causing vasodilation and increased vascular permeability (redness, heat, swelling).
Serotonin: Released by platelets, similar function to histamine.
Arachidonic Acid Pathway: Produces prostaglandins, mediating pain, fever, and inflammation. Includes cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase pathways.
Platelet-Activating Factor (PAF): Enhances leukocyte adhesion to endothelium, increased vascular permeability, and stimulates release of other inflammatory mediators.

Coagulation and Its Role in Inflammation

Inflammation and coagulation are interconnected & activated by injury.
Blood clotting prevents significant bleeding & promotes healing
Vascular Spasm: Immediate vessel constriction following injury.
Platelets Plug Formation: Forms a temporary plug initially.
Coagulation Cascade: Series of enzymatic reactions to create a stable fibrin clot. Intrinsic, extrinsic, common pathways.
Extrinsic Pathway: Activated by external trauma, releases tissue factor.
Intrinsic Pathway: Activated by damage to the blood vessel, involves clotting factors already present in blood.
Common Pathway: Converges from both intrinsic, extrinsic, then forms the clot.

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Description

This quiz explores the essential concepts of inflammation, immunology, and coagulation. It covers the differences between acute and chronic inflammation, including definitions and examples for each type. Understand the interconnected processes that protect the body and maintain homeostasis.