CSB520 Inflammation and repair

Define hyperaemia.

Increased blood flow to tissue due to arteriolar dilation.

Define oedema.

Excess fluid in the interstitial tissue space.

Difference between exudate and transudate.

Exudate: protein-rich, due to inflammation/increased permeability. Transudate: low protein, due to hydrostatic/oncotic imbalance.

Define effusion.

Excess fluid in a body cavity (e.g., pleural, peritoneal).

Define resolution.

Complete restoration of tissue to normal structure and function after inflammation.

Define organisation (in repair).

Replacement of damaged tissue by granulation tissue and eventual fibrosis (scar).

Define granulation tissue.

New tissue formed during healing composed of capillaries, fibroblasts, and inflammatory cells.

Define leukocyte.

White blood cell involved in immune response.

Define phagocyte.

Cell that engulfs and digests pathogens and debris (e.g., neutrophils, macrophages).

Define ulcer.

Local defect or excavation of the surface of an organ or tissue due to sloughing of inflamed necrotic tissue.

Define abscess.

Localised collection of pus in a tissue, organ, or confined space.

What form of cell death causes an inflammatory response?

Necrosis.

What are the 3 features of acute inflammation?

Vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, leukocyte migration.

What are the 3 possible outcomes of acute inflammation?

Resolution, healing by fibrosis (organisation), chronic inflammation.

What are the 3 main components of granulation tissue & their role?

Capillaries (supply oxygen/nutrients), fibroblasts (produce collagen/ECM), inflammatory cells (fight infection, stimulate repair).

What are the consequences of healing through organisation?

Scar formation, loss of original function, possible contractures.

What are the 3 main causes of chronic inflammation?

Persistent infections, autoimmune diseases, prolonged exposure to toxic agents.

What are the 3 general features of chronic inflammation?

Mononuclear cell infiltrate, tissue destruction, attempts at healing via fibrosis/angiogenesis.

Describe possible negative consequences of chronic inflammation.

Fibrosis, organ dysfunction, cancer risk, impaired healing.

What is meant by sterile sites in the human body?

Areas normally free of microorganisms (e.g., blood, CSF, internal organs).

What is meant by non-sterile sites in the human body?

Areas that normally contain microorganisms (e.g., mouth, gut, skin).

Difference between innate and adaptive immune systems.

Innate: rapid, non-specific, no memory. Adaptive: slower initial response, specific, has memory.

What is an autoimmune response?

Immune system attacks self-antigens.

What is a hypersensitivity response?

Exaggerated or inappropriate immune reaction to an antigen.

What does immune-compromised mean?

Weakened immune system with reduced ability to fight infection.

Name some patients at risk of being immune-compromised.

Cancer patients on chemotherapy, HIV patients, transplant recipients on immunosuppressants.

What is the main cell type in acute inflammation?

Neutrophils.

What is the main cell type in chronic inflammation?

Macrophages and lymphocytes.

What is angiogenesis?

Formation of new blood vessels during healing or tumour growth.

What is the difference between primary and secondary intention healing?

Primary: wound edges close directly (e.g., surgical incision). Secondary: wound left open, heals by granulation and contraction.

What is scar tissue made of?

Mainly collagen produced by fibroblasts.

Describe the process of scarring.

After tissue damage, granulation tissue matures: fibroblasts produce collagen, vessels regress, tissue becomes dense fibrous scar with less vascularity and reduced function.

How can scarring affect organ function?

Can cause stiffness, reduced elasticity, blockage or distortion of structures.