HNN227 Increased Vascular Permeability and Inflammation

Practice questions covering the definition, components, and five cardinal signs of inflammation based on lecture notes on vascular permeability and tissue swelling.

How is inflammation defined in the transcript?

A nonspecific localized protective reaction of tissue to irritation, injury, or infection.

Why is inflammation described as a "nonspecific" response?

Because the response is the same irrespective of the nature of the agent of cell injury, whether it is physical, chemical, ischemic, or infectious.

What are the two primary purposes of the inflammatory response?

To quickly neutralize injurious agents and stop further cell damage, and to clean up the tissue site to enable the healing process.

What is the difference between acute and chronic inflammation?

Acute inflammation is the early, almost immediate reaction of tissue to injury, while chronic inflammation occurs if the agent of injury persists.

What are the three basic components of the inflammatory process?

Vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and immigration of white blood cells.

List the five cardinal signs of inflammation.

Redness, warmth, swelling, pain, and loss of function.

What is the initial, momentary vascular response to cell injury?

Vasoconstriction.

Which pro-inflammatory mediators are released by damaged tissues to cause localized vasodilation?

Histamines, kinins, and prostaglandins.

What physiological change accounts for the increased warmth in an inflamed area?

Localized vasodilation and increased blood flow to the affected area.

By what mechanism do capillaries increase their permeability?

By increasing the gap between the endothelial cells that comprise their wall.

What is exudate?

Plasma that moves into the interstitial fluid, carrying important substances relevant to the inflammatory response.

How does increased capillary permeability affect localized toxins?

It helps to dilute localized toxins.

What specific physiological change accounts for increased swelling in the affected area?

Increased vascular permeability.

Why does blood remaining in circulation become more viscous during inflammation?

Because fluid leaves the capillary and moves into the interstitial space.

What are the two effects of increased blood viscosity during inflammation?

It enables blood to clot easier and flow more slowly.

Which cardinal sign of inflammation is caused by the increased viscosity and slower flow of blood?

Redness.

How does swelling lead to the sensation of pain?

It increases tissue pressure and stimulates nociceptors.

Which chemical mediators increase the frequency of pain transmission to the brain?

Bradykinin and prostaglandins.