Answer the following questions:
1. Briefly describe the process of inflammation in an area that has been traumatized.
Tissue damage brought on by trauma sets off an inflammatory reaction and triggers the coagulation cascade. This is a response by the immune system wherein it ensues inflammation that is necessary for repair and defense against pathogens. This also prevents the damage to spread to other tissues and helps restore homeostasis.
The process involves the induction of macrophages to eliminate the cell debris and damaged cells as a result. These then release cytokines which attract neutrophils. When recruited cells go from the blood to the site of infection, they can phagocytose the dead cells and debris, priming the area for wound repair. Other mediators released by mast cells also enhance blood flow to the area and vascular permeability.
2. Choose one type of Immunity (Innate and Humoral) and explain how its mechanism protects our body.
The innate immune response is the body’s initial line of defense against invasive infections and tissue damage that does not depend on one’s exposure to an antigen but rather occurs naturally. This is the first to detect wounds, trauma, and foreign invaders in the body including viruses, parasites, bacteria, and toxins.
Numerous cells, including phagocytes, mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils, as well as the complement system, are involved in its mechanism. The innate immune system triggers these cells to attack and eliminate the invaders, then start repair upon detection of these agents. It also informs and modifies the adaptive immune response, which follows afterward.
References:
Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. H. (2020, October 13). Principles of Anatomy and Physiology (16th ed.). Wiley.
Chapter 24 - Barrier Defenses and the Innate Immune Response. (2022). Hostos Community College Library. https://guides.hostos.cuny.edu/bio140solutions/24
Pierce, A. & Pittet, J.F. (2014). Inflammatory response to trauma: implications for coagulation and resuscitation. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. doi: 10.1097/ACO.0000000000000047. PMID: 24419158; PMCID: PMC4124829.WHAT IS
INNATE IMMUNITY? (n.d.). Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease. https://ciiid.washington.edu/content/what-innate-immunity