Introduction to Inflammation

Question 1

Define inflammation.

Answer 1

A localised physical condition in which part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful, especially as a reaction to injury or infection.

Question 2

Is inflammation part of adaptive or innate immunity?

Answer 2

Innate immunity.

Question 3

Define cellulitis.

Answer 3

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that causes redness, swelling, and pain in the infected area of the skin.

Question 4

List 4 beneficial effects of inflammation.

Answer 4

1. Delivery of immune cells and proteins
2. Dilution of toxins
3. Eliminate substance & allow tissue repair
4. Entry of drugs

Question 5

List 6 causes of inflammation.

Answer 5

1. Infection
2. Foreign bodies
3. Dead cells
4. Allergens
5. Physical trauma/injury
6. Chemicals

Question 6

Define acute inflammation.

Answer 6

The immediate defensive reaction of tissue to injury, in which vascular and exudative processes predominate.

Question 7

Define chronic inflammation.

Answer 7

Prolonged and persistent inflammation, which may be a continuation of acute inflammation, or the result of an insidious insult, characterised by scar tissue formation.

Question 8

List 5 main macroscopic features of inflammation.

Answer 8

1. Pain
2. Oedema
3. Loss of function
4. Erythema
5. Warmth

Question 9

List 3 main microscopic features of acute inflammation.

Answer 9

1. Vascular changes - Vasodilation: change in calibre & wall structure. Increased blood flow.
2. Exudative changes - increased permeability. Movement of fluid, proteins & cells.
3. Neutrophils

Question 10

List 3 main microscopic features of chronic inflammation.

Answer 10

1. Lymphocytes and macrophages
2. Tissue destruction
3. Attempts at healing

Question 11

What are the 2 main types of T cells involved in adaptive immunity?

Answer 11

T helper cells and T cytotoxic cells.

Question 12

What is a granuloma?

Answer 12

An aggregation of macrophages that forms in response to chronic inflammation.