Lecture Notes on Inflammation and Systemic Response

Flashcards about chemicals and systemic response.

Histamine

Chemical that triggers inflammation, leading to increased blood flow to the cut site. It also initiates margination, diapedesis, and phagocytosis.

Margination

The process where monocytes stick to the wall of the capillary during inflammation.

Diapedesis

The process where white blood cells squeeze through the pores of the capillary during inflammation.

Phagocytosis

The process where white blood cells kill pathogens, containing the infection during inflammation.

Systemic Response

A response that involves the whole body, not just the localized area. An example is a fever, where the entire body's temperature is elevated.

Sensor (Systemic Response)

The component that senses the current situation, usually a neuron that senses temperature. Macrophages also act as sensors, secreting pyrogens.

Pyrogen

Substance (e.g., interleukin-1 & TNF-2) secreted by macrophages that leads to an increase in body temperature.

Comparator (Systemic Response)

The hypothalamus, which acts as the control center. It receives signals and informs the effector.

Effector (Systemic Response)

The component that causes change, such as a muscle. For example, muscles shiver to increase heat.