The spelling of "atrophic inflammation" involves some tricky phonetics. The "a" in "atro-" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat" (/æ/) while the "o" is pronounced like the "o" in "hot" (/ɑ/). The "-phic" ending is pronounced with a silent "h" and a "f" sound (/f/). Finally, the "-tion" ending is pronounced with a "sh" sound (/ʃən/). So, the correct IPA phonetic transcription for "atrophic inflammation" would be /əˈtrɑfɪk ɪnfləˈmeɪʃən/.
Atrophic inflammation refers to a specific type of chronic inflammation that is characterized by tissue degeneration and shrinking (atrophy) due to prolonged inflammation. It occurs when inflammatory cells invade and damage tissues, leading to a decrease in the size and function of the affected area.
During atrophic inflammation, the body's immune response is triggered by various factors such as infections, toxins, or autoimmune disorders. This causes an influx of inflammatory cells, including lymphocytes and macrophages, into the affected tissue. These cells release chemical mediators such as cytokines and chemokines, which further propagate inflammation and attract more inflammatory cells.
Over time, this persistent inflammation disrupts the normal structure and function of the tissue, leading to atrophy. The affected tissue undergoes degeneration, losing cells and becoming thinner and weaker. Examples of organs commonly affected by atrophic inflammation include the skin, muscles, and various internal organs.
Symptoms of atrophic inflammation may vary depending on the affected tissue, but common manifestations include thinning of the skin, muscle weakness or wasting, reduced function of involved organs, and sometimes pain or discomfort.
The treatment of atrophic inflammation focuses on addressing the underlying cause of inflammation and providing symptomatic relief. This may involve the use of anti-inflammatory medications, immune-modulating drugs, physical therapy, or surgical interventions, depending on the severity and specific situation.
A chronic i. attended with an exudate of fibrinous material, the subsequent contraction of which leads to compression and atrophy of the tissues and cells.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "atrophic" is derived from the Greek word "atrophē", meaning "wasting away" or "lack of nourishment". It combines the Greek prefix "a" indicating negation and "trophein" meaning "to feed" or "to nourish".
The word "inflammation" comes from the Latin word "inflammatio", derived from the verb "inflammare", meaning "to set on fire". It combines the prefix "in-" indicating "into" or "on" and "flammare" meaning "to blaze" or "to burn".
So, when combined, "atrophic inflammation" refers to a type of inflammation characterized by the shrinking or wasting away of tissue due to lack of nourishment or blood flow.