INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE Meaning and
Definition
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The inflammatory response refers to a complex series of physiological processes that occur in the body as a reaction to tissue injury, infection, or a perceived threat to homeostasis. It is a critical defense mechanism that aims to eliminate harmful agents, promote tissue repair, and restore normal physiological function.
During the inflammatory response, immune cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, are recruited to the site of injury or infection. These cells release chemical signals, called cytokines and chemokines, which trigger vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels in the affected area. This results in redness, heat, and swelling commonly associated with inflammation.
The increased blood flow allows immune cells and plasma proteins to flood into the affected area, helping to fight off pathogens and remove damaged tissue. Neutrophils are often the first immune cells to arrive, engulfing and destroying pathogens through a process known as phagocytosis. Macrophages then take over, not only ingesting pathogens but also releasing inflammatory mediators to amplify the immune response.
The inflammatory response also triggers the release of molecules called prostaglandins and histamines, which enhance the immune response by attracting more immune cells to the site of inflammation. However, excessive or prolonged inflammation can lead to tissue damage and chronic diseases.
Overall, the inflammatory response is a vital component of the immune system's defense against infection and tissue damage. By initiating a cascade of events, it helps to restore health and homeostasis to the affected tissues.
Common Misspellings for INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE
- unflammatory response
- jnflammatory response
- knflammatory response
- onflammatory response
- 9nflammatory response
- 8nflammatory response
- ibflammatory response
- imflammatory response
- ijflammatory response
- ihflammatory response
- indlammatory response
- inclammatory response
- invlammatory response
- inglammatory response
- intlammatory response
- inrlammatory response
- infkammatory response
- infpammatory response
- infoammatory response
- inflzmmatory response
Etymology of INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE
The word "inflammatory" originates from the Latin word "inflammare", which means "to set on fire" or "to ignite". It is derived from the combination of the prefix "in-" (indicating intensification or direction inward) and the verb "flammare" (meaning "to flame, blaze, burn"). The term "response" comes from the Latin word "responsum", which means "to reply" or "to answer". Therefore, "inflammatory response" refers to the reaction of the body to tissue injury, infection, or irritation, characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain.
