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Briefly describe the process of inflammation in an area that has been traumatized.
- Inflammation is a complex biological response triggered by the body's immune system and the following is a brief overview of the steps involved in the inflammatory response:
- Recognition and Initiation: After tissue injury, immune cells present in the affected area identify the presence of damaged cells, foreign pathogens, or other irritants. Macrophages release chemical signals called cytokines which trigger the local inflammatory response.
- Vasodilation + Increased vascular permeability: These lead to increased blood flow and easier entrance for immune cells, antibodies, and other defense molecules to enter the tissues, leading to swelling and pain.
- Chemotaxis: Leukocytes migrate from the blood vessels to the site of inflammation to eliminate foreign substances or pathogens through phagocytosis.
- Repair & Resolution: Aside from the elimination done through phagocytosis, macrophages stimulate the release of growth factors for tissue regeneration. As the healing process progresses, pro-inflammatory signals decline, and anti-inflammatory signals increase, restoring the normal functioning of the affected area.
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Choose one type of Immunity (Innate and Humoral) and explain how its mechanism protects our body.
- Innate immunity is our body's first line of defense against pathogens. It involves physical barriers like the skin and mucous membranes, along with cellular responses from macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells. It also provides immediate protection by preventing pathogens from entering the body and initiating rapid responses to eliminate them.
- Identification of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by toll-like receptors (TLRs) on immune cells, leading to the activation of the immune response
- Phagocytosis of microorganisms by macrophages and neutrophils
- Production of cytokines that attract immune cells to sites of infection and promote inflammation
References:
- Akira, S., Uematsu, S., & Takeuchi, O. (2006). Pathogen recognition and innate immunity. Cell, 124(4), 783-801
- Janeway Jr, C. A., Travers, P., Walport, M., & Shlomchik, M. J. (2001). Immunobiology: The immune system in health and disease. Garland Science.
- Medzhitov, R. (2008). Origin and physiological roles of inflammation. Nature, 454(7203), 428-435.
- Serhan, C. N., & Levy, B. D. (2018). Resolvins in inflammation: emergence of the pro-resolving superfamily of mediators. J Clin Invest, 128(7), 2657-2669.
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Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. (2020). Principles of anatomy and physiology (16th ed.). Wiley.