Briefly describe the process of inflammation in an area that has been traumatized.
The process of inflammation involves a series of events designed to eliminate the cause of cell injury, clear out damaged cells and tissues, and initiate tissue repair. There are three stages of inflammatory response:
1. Vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels - vasodilation of arterioles enhances blood flow in the injured region, while heightened permeability of capillaries enables the entry of defensive proteins like antibodies and clotting factors.
2. Emigration of phagocytes from the blood into the interstitial fluid - neutrophils adhere to the blood vessel lining before emigrating through the vessel wall to reach the injured site. Subsequently, monocytes follow, transforming into macrophages that engulf damaged tissue, spent neutrophils, and invading microbes.
3. Tissue repair - occurs through the coordinated processes of debris removal by macrophages and the production of essential components by fibroblasts, facilitating the healing and regeneration of damaged tissues
Choose one type of Immunity (Innate and Humoral) and explain how its mechanism protects our body
Humoral Immunity involves the production of antibody molecules in response to an antigen, with these antibodies circulating in the blood plasma and entering tissues and organs via the inflammatory response. This form of adaptive immunity is particularly effective against microbes or their toxins located in the extracellular spaces of the body. It is mediated by B-lymphocytes and plasma cells, which produce antibodies against foreign agents (antigens) and stimulate T-lymphocytes, thus constituting an antibody-mediated form of adaptive immunity. Additionally, humoral immunity involves the production of cytokines, the formation of germinal centers, the generation of memory cells, isotype switching, and the activation of various immune cells.
References:
Gaiser, G. (2022, April 9). 13: Humoral immunity. Biology LibreTexts. https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Microbiology/Microbiology_(Kaiser)/Unit_6%3A_Adaptive_Immunity/13%3A_Humoral_Immunity
Tortora, G.J., & Derrickson, B. (2017). Principles of anatomy and physiology (15th ed.). Wiley