1. Briefly describe the process of inflammation in an area that has been traumatized.
- Inflammation is our body's response to injuries and traumas such as a strain, sprain, or contusions, and can even occur from infections, heat, or chemical injuries. The swelling process is called the edema which is a response to damage in tissues. When a small part of the body is subjected to physical trauma, the cells are damaged, which causes internal bleeding and triggers the body to undergo phases to heal the injury. The first phase is the inflammatory response, wherein blood flow will increase to the site of injury to transport cells such as fluid, white blood cells, and proteins. Blood vessels dilate, resulting in redness to the inflammed area. Damaged cells will be removed and will be replaced with new collagen. This takes place in the first 3 to 5 days. The next phase will be repair and regeneration. A scar will form out of the disorganized new collagen fibers, which is weak, tender, and can be easily disrupted. It lasts for 2 days to 8 weeks. The last phase is remodelling and maturation. The tissue strengthens and improves its cellular organization at this phase, promoting a stronger bond between collagen fibers. This takes the longest and may take months or even a year to finish. Throughout the process of healing an inflammed area, white blood cells and phagocytes work together to reduce swelling, heat, and redness -- common symptoms of inflammation. Neutrophils will clean up cellular debris, and 1-2 days later, monocytes will complete the process of cleaning up dead cells.
2. Choose one type of Immunity (Innate and Humoral) and explain how its mechanism protects our body.
- The innate immunity system is known as the first line of defense and consists of our skin, intestines, and mucous. It consists of fast-acting cells such as the white blood cells neutrophils, basophil, mast cells, and eosinophils that are not able to note down any memories of the germs that they've killed before. Upon detecting a foreign body or event, the innate immune system commands the cells to destroy this foreign invader or repair what was damaged then triggering the adaptive immune system.
References
- Rogers, K. (n.d.). How Is Inflammation Involved in Swelling? Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/story/how-is-inflammation-involved-in-swelling
- Eng, C. (n.d.) The Three Stages of Inflammation. Treloar Physiotherapy Clinic.https://www.treloarphysio.com/the-three-stages-of-inflamation/
- What is Innate Immunity? (n.d.). Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease. https://ciiid.washington.edu/content/what-innate-immunity