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Briefly describe the process of inflammation in an area that has been traumatized.
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The body undergoes an inflammatory process as a nonspecific defensive response to tissue damage caused by pathogens, chemical irritations, extreme temperature, and disturbances of cells. The main goal of inflammation is to dispose of foreign bodies at the site of injury, prevent its spread to neighboring tissues, and prepare the injured area for tissue repair. Some symptoms of inflammation include redness, heat, pain, and swelling.
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The inflammatory response takes place in 3 basic stages:
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Blood vessels in the region of tissue injury immediately undergo vasodilation of arterioles, causing more blood to flow to the damaged area, and increase blood vessel permeability to allow the entry of antibodies and clotting factors. Some substances, such as histamine, kinins, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes, further induce vasodilation and permeability.
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Once large amounts of blood accumulate, emigration of phagocytes occurs, wherein neutrophils move through the walls of blood vessels to reach the site of injury. Phagocytosis then eliminates invading microbes. There is also an increased production of neutrophils to ensure its constant supply. Macrophages eventually die and form pus.
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Lastly, the tissue repair process itself occurs.
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Choose one type of Immunity (Innate and Humoral) and explain how its mechanism protects our body.
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Innate or nonspecific immunity includes two barriers: the first and second lines of defense. Reactions occur immediately, protecting the body from invaders, such as pathogens and foreign materials. The first line of defense, which consists of the skin and mucous membranes (epithelial layer), provides physical and chemical barriers to minimize the penetration of unwanted substances. For example, microbes may be ejected from the body through coughing and sneezing, accelerating the movement of the mucus. If the pathogens bypass this layer, the second line of defense employs and executes various internal defenses, namely antimicrobial substances, natural killer cells, phagocytes, inflammation, and fever. Immune reactions, such as cytolysis, phagocytosis, and apoptosis, take place, contributing to the internal defenses. For example, having a fever may indicate the presence of an infection. Due to the increased temperature, fever intensifies and speeds up body reactions that aid repair and prevent the growth of microbes.
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References:
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). inflammation. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21660-inflammation
Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. (2017). Principles of Anatomy and Physiology (15th ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.