-
Briefly describe the process of inflammation in an area that has been traumatized.
Inflammation is the body’s response to trauma that causes tissue damage. It occurs in three stages namely: (1) vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels, (2) emigration of phagocytes from the blood into the interstitial fluid, and, (3) tissue repair. In the first stage, blood is able to rush to the site of damage along with defensive proteins and clotting factors through the increased diameter of arterioles and permeability of capillaries. Consequently, three signs of inflammation are produced in the region of tissue injury: heat, redness, and swelling. The next stage involves the emigration of neutrophils which are then followed by monocytes. These phagocytes engulf damaged tissue, worn-out neutrophils, and invading microbes. Finally, after having undergone the mentioned inflammatory stages, the damaged area is ready for tissue repair.
-
Choose one type of Immunity (Innate and Humoral) and explain how its mechanism protects our body
Innate immunity constitutes the body’s first and second line of defense. The first line of defense serves as a barrier or trap that prevent foreign microbes from entering the body. These include the skin, mucous membrane, and the secretions of other fluids that destroy or flush out microbes. The second line of defense deals with microbes that were able to penetrate the physical and chemical barriers of the skin and mucous membranes. Part of these are antimicrobial substances, natural killer cells, phagocytes, inflammation, and fever. Antimicrobial substances destroy microbes or discourage microbial growth. Phagocytes and natural killer cells also perform the same function but do so through phagocytosis and inducing cytolysis and apoptosis of invading microbes. Additionally, inflammation confines and destroys microbes as it initiates tissue repair while the abnormally high body temperature experienced during fever speeds up body reactions that aid repair and inhibit the growth of microbes.
Reference:
Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. H. (2015). Principles of anatomy and physiology. Wiley Global Education.