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When an area has been traumatized, the body responds through inflammation. A combination of redness, heat, pain, and swelling may be observed and felt. The process of inflammation starts when the damaged cells release inflammatory chemicals (e.g. histamine), causing the dilation of blood vessels which allows the area to more easily receive nutrients and other substances needed for healing. Additionally, phagocytes and white blood cells migrate to the area to aid in the healing process by consuming foreign material. The increased metabolic activity in the affected tissue is what causes the signs and symptoms of inflammation to manifest.
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Innate or nonspecific immunity is the type of immunity present since birth. As such, it responds to all pathogens in the same way. This immunity uses our body’s surface coverings such as the skin and mucous membranes, specialized cells, and chemicals.