Inflammation Lecture Notes

A rapid tissue response to injury, lasting minutes to days, aimed at localizing and eliminating the cause.

Acute inflammation results from physical (trauma, heat), chemical (acids, alkalis), or infective (bacteria) agents causing tissue injury.

First response, involving temporary vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation and increased vessel permeability.

Acute inflammation is a short-term response, while chronic inflammation is a longer-term response that often leads to ongoing tissue damage.

A protective response of living tissues to injury

Leukocyte (white blood cell) movement from the bloodstream to the site of injury. This process involves multiple steps like margination, rolling, adhesion, transmigration, chemotaxis, and phagocytosis.

Changes in blood vessel size and permeability that occur during inflammation. It includes initial vasoconstriction, followed by vasodilation, and increased permeability leading to fluid leakage.

The process where leukocytes slow down and move along the edges of blood vessels (near the endothelium) during inflammation.

A step in leucocyte emigration where leukocytes weakly bind and roll along the endothelium of the blood vessel.

The firm attachment of leukocytes to the endothelium of blood vessels through integrins, facilitating their movement out of the blood vessel.

The movement of leukocytes through the endothelial wall of the blood vessel and into the surrounding tissue.

The movement of leukocytes towards the site of injury guided by chemical signals (chemotaxins) released from the injured tissue.

The process where white blood cells (neutrophils and macrophages) engulf and digest bacteria or foreign particles.

Fibrinogen is a protein that helps form fibrin, a mesh-like structure that traps blood cells and platelets to stop bleeding. It also helps localize infection and create a scaffold for tissue repair.

This refers to the process where inflammatory cells break down dead tissue (necrotic debris) into a liquid form, making it easier to remove and clear the area for healing.

These are chemicals released directly from cells that trigger the inflammatory response. Examples include histamine, serotonin, and prostaglandins.

These are proteins found in the blood that become active during inflammation. Examples include complement proteins (C3a, C5a) and bradykinin.

These are signs that affect the whole body, such as fever and increased white blood cell count (leukocytosis). These indicate a widespread inflammatory response.

Serous inflammation is characterized by the release of a watery fluid, low in protein and cells. This is a mild form of inflammation.

Suppurative inflammation is a more severe type, characterized by the production of pus (a thick white fluid containing dead cells and bacteria).

Localized inflammation occurs in one specific area (e.g., an abscess), while diffuse inflammation spreads over a larger region (e.g., cellulitis).

Inflammation lasting weeks or months, often resulting from persistent injury or recurrent acute inflammation.

Chronic inflammation can be non-specific, a general response, or specific, forming granulomas, localized areas of inflammation.

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged response compared to the rapid, short-term response of acute inflammation.

In chronic inflammation, you'll see lymphocytes, plasma cells, and fibroblasts dominating the cellular infiltrate.

Chronic inflammation often leads to fibrosis (scarring) or amyloidosis, a buildup of abnormal protein.

A large, deep abscess with multiple pus-filled compartments separated by fibrous strands. It has multiple openings on the surface and commonly occurs on the back of the neck and scalp.

An abscess that fails to heal properly and persists for a long time, often due to inadequate drainage.

Infections from an abscess can spread through the bloodstream, leading to various complications like toxaemia (general poisoning), septicaemia (blood poisoning), and pyaemia (pus in the blood).

An abnormal passageway lined by granulation tissue that connects two cavities or a hollow organ to the surface. It differs from a sinus because it has two openings.

A widespread, suppurative inflammation in the skin that can spread rapidly. It is often caused by Streptococcus bacteria, which produce enzymes that help the infection spread.

Inflammation of the pleura, the membranes lining the lungs and chest cavity, causing pain with breathing.

Inflammation characterized by an exudate rich in serous fluid and fibrin, often seen in body cavities like the pleura and lung alveoli.

Inflammation marked by excessive mucous secretion, commonly seen in the common cold.

Inflammation with a characteristic membrane formed on the mucosal surface, often caused by bacterial toxins like in diphtheria.

Inflammation caused by an allergic reaction, featuring an exudate with increased eosinophils (white blood cells) in the blood and tissues.

The process of forming pus, a thick yellow liquid containing dead cells, bacteria, and inflammatory fluid, often caused by pyogenic bacteria.

A localized, pus-filled cavity caused by a bacterial infection, often seen in the skin.

A small abscess related to a hair follicle or sebaceous gland, commonly caused by Staphylococcus bacteria.