1. When an area of the body is traumatized, the inflammatory response is initiated to protect the affected tissue and promote healing. The process typically involves the following steps:
Vasodilation: Blood vessels widen to increase blood flow to the injured area.
Increased Permeability: Vessel walls become more permeable, allowing immune cells and proteins to enter the tissue.
Phagocytosis: Immune cells, like neutrophils and macrophages, engulf and digest debris and pathogens to promote healing.
2. Innate immunity acts as the body's initial defense against pathogens. It encompasses physical and chemical barriers, along with various cellular components.
Mechanism:
Phagocytosis: Cells such as macrophages and neutrophils identify and engulf foreign bodies and particles.
Rapid Response: Innate immunity acts quickly through a nonspecific reaction to different pathogens without the need for previous exposure.
Physical Barriers: Innate immunity includes lines of physical defenses like the skin and mucous membranes, preventing the entry of pathogens.