Acute Inflammation

Question 1

What is acute inflammation?

Answer 1

• Response of living tissue to infection/damage
• develops quickly
• Initiation for INNATE immunity

Question 2

What are the 3 main processes involved in acute inflammation?

Answer 2

• Vascular Dilation (vasodilation)
• Increased vascular permeability
• Neutrophil activation and migration

Question 3

What are the 4 main causes of acute inflammation?

Answer 3

• Microbial infection
• Physical agents
• Irritant and corrosive chemicals
• Tissue necrosis (no nutrients/oxygen, or inadequate blood flow)

Question 4

What are the consequences of acute inflammation?

Answer 4

• Redness
• Heat
• Swelling
• Pain
• Loss of function

Question 5

What is an Oedema?

Answer 5

Excess of water fluid collecting in the cavities/tissues of the body -

Question 6

What mediators regulate inflammation?

Answer 6

Chemical & Protein mediators;

Chemical:

• Histamine
• Bradykinin
• Prostaglandins

Protein

• Cytokines
• Chemokines

Question 7

What is the purpose of Histamine?

Answer 7

• CAUSES VASCULAR DILATION - Main Point
• Chemical mediator
• Stored in granules of immune cells (releases histamine @ degranulation)
• Role as neurotransmitter - Causes ITCHING
• Product of breakdown of amino acid histidine

Question 8

What is the purpose of Prostaglandins?

Answer 8

• CAUSES VASCULAR DILATION - Main Point
• Chemical mediator
• Product of fatty acid metabolism
• Regulates cytokine production, cell recruitment

Question 9

What are the 4 enzymatic cascades involved in acute inflammation?

Answer 9

• Complement -> 3 pathways involved
• The kinin system -> production of bradykinins, causing vasodilation
• Coagulation - formation of a STABLE BLOOD CLOT (FIBRIN)
• Fibrinolytic system - Prevents excessive clotting by degrading fibrin

Question 10

What is Suppuration?

Answer 10

Formation of pus (bacteria with dead and dying neutrophils) creating an abscess

Question 11

How many types of dental abscess is there?

Answer 11

3 Types of dental abscess;

• Gingival Abscess (due to trauma to surface of gum tissue)
• Periodontal Abscess (due to infection moved deeper into gum)
• Periapical Abscess (due to infection of pulp)

Question 12

What’s essential for resolving acute inflammation?

Answer 12

• Minimal cell death & tissue damage
• Rapid elimination of causative agent
• Rapid removal of fluid & debris by vascular/lymphatic drainage