Week 7 - Inflammation and Tissue Integrity

Chemotaxis

The movement of white blood cells toward the site of injury or infection in response to chemical signals.

Proinflammatory hormones

Chemicals such as cytokines, histamine, and prostaglandins that promote inflammation.

Vascular permeability

The ability of blood vessels to allow fluid and immune cells to pass into tissues during inflammation.

Angiogenesis

Formation of new blood vessels during healing or chronic inflammation.

Phagocytosis

Process by which macrophages and neutrophils engulf and destroy pathogens or debris.

Hyperemia

Increased blood flow to tissues, causing redness and warmth at the site of inflammation.

Neutrophilia

Increase in circulating neutrophils, usually indicating acute infection or inflammation.

Exudate

Fluid, cells, and proteins that leak from blood vessels into tissues during inflammation.

Arachidonic acid

A fatty acid released from cell membranes that leads to production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes (inflammatory mediators).

CRP (C-reactive protein)

A protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation; used as a lab marker of inflammatory activity.

Necrosis

Unplanned cell death due to injury, infection, or lack of oxygen.

ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)

A blood test that measures inflammation; elevated when inflammation is present.

Serous exudate

Clear, watery fluid seen in mild inflammation or early wound healing.

Purulent exudate

Thick, yellow or green pus containing white blood cells, bacteria, and debris.

Hemorrhagic exudate

Bloody fluid indicating severe tissue damage or vascular injury.

Leukocytosis

An increased white blood cell count, commonly seen in infection or inflammation.

Malaise

A general feeling of discomfort, fatigue, or unwellness that often accompanies inflammation or infection.

RICE

Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation—first-line treatment for acute injury and inflammation.

Antipyretics

Medications that reduce fever by acting on the hypothalamus (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen).

Adrenal crisis

A life-threatening condition caused by insufficient cortisol levels, leading to hypotension, weakness, and shock.

Exogenous cortisol

Corticosteroids taken from outside the body to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response.

Sublethal injury

Cell damage that is reversible if the stressor is removed.

Lethal injury

Irreversible cell damage leading to cell death.

Apoptosis

Programmed, controlled cell death that removes damaged or unneeded cells.

Gangrene

Tissue death caused by loss of blood supply, infection, or both; may be dry, wet, or gas gangrene.

Primary intention

Wound healing where edges are approximated (e.g., surgical incision); minimal scarring.

Secondary intention

Wound healing where edges are not closed; heals by granulation tissue formation and contraction.

Tertiary intention

Wound healing delayed for closure due to infection or swelling; then closed later.

Partial thickness

Wound involving epidermis and part of the dermis; heals by epithelial regeneration.

Full thickness

Wound involving epidermis, dermis, and possibly subcutaneous tissue or deeper structures.

Pressure injury

Local damage to skin and underlying tissue from prolonged pressure or shear.

Primary lesion

The initial visible sign of a skin condition, such as a macule, papule, or vesicle.

Secondary lesion

Changes to primary lesions from scratching, infection, or healing (e.g., crusts, scales, scars).

Slough

Soft, yellow or white tissue in a wound consisting of dead cells and debris; must be removed for healing.

Eschar

Thick, black or brown dead tissue (scab) formed over a wound.

Sanguineous exudate

Bloody drainage from a wound, common after surgery or tissue injury.

Dehiscence

Partial or complete separation of wound layers after surgical closure.

Evisceration

Protrusion of internal organs through a dehisced surgical wound; medical emergency.

Fistula

Abnormal passage between two body structures (e.g., organ to skin) due to infection or inflammation.

Braden Scale

A standardized tool used to assess a patient’s risk for pressure injury; evaluates sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear.