Inflammation - Introduction
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Introduction
- Inflammation is the process by which cells and exudate accumulate in irritated tissues and usually tend to protect them from further injury.
Cardinal Signs
- The classical gross signs of inflammation have been recognised since the time of Celsus (25BC-AD50).
- These are known as the cardinal signs of inflammation.
- Reddening
- Caused by increased blood flow (hyperaemia) to the area, due to dilation of previously inconspicuous capillaries..
- Swelling
- The inflamed area appears swollen due to exudation of fluid from the dilated blood vessels into the inflamed tissue.
- Heat
- There is increased heat in the affected tissue due to increased blood flow.
- The temperature of the inflamed portion approximates to internal body temperature.
- Pain
- Chemical mediators of pain are release by damaged tissue. in the affected tissue caused by #* Inflammatory exudate puts local pressure on nerve endings.
- Loss of function
- The pain and damage to the tissue result in a reluctance to use the inflamed portion.
Causes
- Inflammation has many causes:
- Microorganisms and helminths (parasites).
- Trauma
- Mechanical, thermal, and chemical agents.
- Some immune reactions
- Hypersensitivity/ allergy.
- Malignant neoplasms.