Inflammation and Tissue Repair

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to inflammation and tissue repair, including definitions and concepts central to the understanding of inflammatory responses and treatments.

Inflammation

A bodily response to injury characterized by increased blood flow and recruitment of healing cells.

Acute Inflammation

A short-term inflammatory response triggered by tissue injury, aimed at healing.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels to increase blood flow to an affected area.

Chemotaxis

The movement of cells towards a chemical signal, important in the inflammatory response.

Phagocytosis

The process by which cells engulf and digest foreign particles or microbes.

Mast Cells

Cells that release chemicals like histamine during inflammation.

Prostaglandins

Chemical mediators that promote inflammation and pain.

Kinin System

A plasma-derived system involved in inflammation that contributes to vasodilation and pain.

Granulomas

Small areas of inflammation in the tissue, often seen in chronic inflammation.

Chronic Inflammation

Persistent inflammation lasting several weeks, characterized by monocytes and macrophages.

Therapeutic Goals of Inflammation Management

To reduce blood flow, decrease swelling, block chemical mediators, and alleviate pain.

Role of Platelets in Inflammation

Cells that play a key role in clotting and the inflammatory process.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

A blood test used as a marker for inflammation.

Healing Phases

Phases of tissue repair including inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases.

Dehiscence

The surgical complication where a wound ruptures along a surgical incision.

Ulceration

The formation of ulcers, often resulting from chronic inflammation.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints.

Helicobacter pylori

A bacterium often associated with chronic gastritis and stomach ulcers.

Diagnosis of Burns

Includes assessment criteria like the Rule of Nines to gauge burn severity.

Anti-inflammatory Drugs

Medications used to reduce inflammation and pain.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.