Chapter 9: Inflammation, Tissue Repair, and Wound Healing — Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the notes on inflammation, tissue repair, and wound healing.

Inflammation

A coordinated set of physiologic and pathologic responses to eliminate the initial cause of cell injury, remove damaged tissue, and generate new tissue.

Rubor

Redness, one of the cardinal signs of inflammation.

Tumor

Swelling, one of the cardinal signs of inflammation.

Calor

Heat, one of the cardinal signs of inflammation.

Dolor

Pain, one of the cardinal signs of inflammation.

Functio laesa

Loss of function, one of the cardinal signs of inflammation.

Granulomatous inflammation

A form of chronic inflammation associated with foreign bodies or certain microorganisms (e.g., TB, sarcoidosis, deep fungal infections, brucellosis).

Foreign bodies

Objects such as splinters, sutures, silica, and asbestos that can provoke granulomatous inflammation.

Vascular stage

Phase of the inflammatory response involving vascular changes, including immediate transient, immediate sustained, and delayed hemodynamic responses.

Immediate transient response

A short‑lived vascular reaction seen with minor injury.

Immediate sustained response

A longer‑lasting vascular reaction seen with more serious injury, lasting days and damaging local vessels.

Delayed hemodynamic response

Increase in capillary permeability that occurs 4–24 hours after injury.

Acute inflammation

Rapid accumulation of phagocytic leukocytes at the injury site; involves granulocytes and monocytes.

Granulocytes

White blood cells including neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

Monocytes

White blood cells that differentiate into macrophages; largest WBC.

Margination

Leukocytes lining up along the endothelium before adhesion.

Adhesion

Leukocyte attachment to endothelium via adhesion molecules.

Transmigration

Movement of leukocytes across the endothelium into tissue.

Chemotaxis

Migration of leukocytes toward chemical signals at the injury site.

Activation and phagocytosis

Leukocytes become activated, engulf pathogens, and kill them.

Adhesion molecules

Proteins such as selectins, integrins, and immunoglobulins that mediate leukocyte adhesion to endothelium.

Histamine

Primary mediator causing endothelial retraction and increased vascular permeability.

Cytokines

Signaling proteins (e.g., interleukins, TNF) that regulate inflammation.

Prostaglandins

Eicosanoids derived from arachidonic acid that mediate inflammation.

Leukotrienes

Eicosanoids that promote chemotaxis and vascular changes.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Fatty acids that modulate inflammation; noted among arachidonic‑acid–derived mediators.

Platelet-activating factor

Phospholipid mediator that promotes platelet aggregation and inflammatory responses.

Serous exudates

Watery, low‑protein fluids at inflammation sites.

Hemorrhagic exudates

Exudates containing red blood cells due to vessel damage.

Membranous or pseudomembranous exudates

Exudates on mucous membranes composed of necrotic cells in fibropurulent material.

Purulent or suppurative exudates

Exudates containing pus; debris from degraded neutrophils and tissue.

Fibrinous exudates

Exudates rich in fibrinogen forming a thick, sticky mesh.

Acute phase response

Systemic changes in inflammation, including leukocytosis/leukopenia and fever.

Leukocytosis

Increased white blood cell count.

Chronic inflammation

Long‑lasting inflammation (days to years) with mononuclear cell infiltration and fibroblast proliferation.

Parenchymal tissue

Tissues containing the functioning cells of an organ.

Stromal tissue

Supporting connective tissues, vessels, extracellular matrix, and nerves.

Labile cells

Cells that continuously divide throughout life (e.g., mucosa, bone marrow).

Stable cells

Cells that normally stop dividing after growth; may re‑enter division.

Permanent cells

Cells that cannot undergo mitosis.

Wound healing

Process to fill the gap from tissue destruction and restore continuity; involves granulation tissue, fibrogenesis, and scar formation.

Primary intention

Healing of a small, clean surgical incision with minimal tissue loss.

Secondary intention

Healing of larger wounds with tissue loss or contamination.

Inflammatory phase

Initial phase of wound healing dominated by inflammation.

Proliferative phase

Phase of wound healing where granulation tissue forms and epithelialization occurs.

Remodeling (maturation) phase

Phase of wound healing where scar tissue is reorganized and strengthened.