Briefly describe the process of inflammation in an area that has been traumatized.
Inflammation is one of the body’s nonspecific defense mechanisms. Whenever there is tissue damage, the body responds by stimulating the release of chemical mediators such as histamine, kinins, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and complement. As these chemical mediators are activated, the three basic stages of the inflammatory response are initiated: vasodilation, increased permeability of blood vessels, phagocyte emigration, and tissue repair.
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Vasodilation allows more blood to flow through the damaged area. This helps remove microbial toxins and dead cells. Increased permeability allows defensive substances such as antibodies to leave the blood and enter the injured area.
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Phagocyte emigration is the process where phagocytes and other white blood cells leave the blood and enter the damaged tissue. The activation of chemical mediators and the attraction of phagocytes and white blood cells continue until the bacteria are destroyed.
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Tissue repair occurs after the phagocytes successfully remove the microorganisms and dead tissue.
Choose one type of Immunity (Innate and Humoral) and explain how its mechanism protects our body.
Innate immunity is the body’s genetically determined defense mechanisms that are present at birth. The main components of innate immunity include external physical and chemical barriers and various internal defenses.
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External physical and chemical barriers provided by the skin and mucous membranes are the body’s first line of defense against pathogens. They prevent microbes from entering the body or remove them from body surfaces.
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The body’s second line of defense are internal antimicrobial substances, phagocytes, natural killer cells, inflammation, and fever, which serve as the internal defenses of the body. These are activated when pathogens penetrate the physical and chemical barriers.
References:
Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. H. (2011). Principles of Anatomy & Physiology (13th ed.). Wiley.
Vanputte, C., Regan, J., Russo, A., & Seeley, R. (2019). Seeley’s Anatomy & Physiology (12th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.