INFLAMMATION Meaning and
Definition
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Inflammation is a physiological response triggered by the body's immune system as a protective measure against foreign substances, infections, toxins, or tissue damage. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the affected area. This complex process involves numerous chemical signals, immune cells, and blood vessels working together to eliminate harmful agents and initiate the healing process.
The first step of inflammation is the release of inflammatory mediators, such as histamine and cytokines, which promote the dilation of blood vessels and increase blood flow to the affected area. This results in redness and heat, aiding in the recruitment of immune cells to the site of inflammation. Immune cells, including white blood cells like neutrophils and macrophages, are then attracted to the inflamed site, where they engulf and destroy pathogens or other foreign substances.
Inflammation also stimulates the production of additional immune cells to amplify the immune response and repair damaged tissues. While acute inflammation is a normal and necessary function of the immune system, chronic inflammation can occur, leading to tissue damage and various diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Treatment of inflammation generally involves addressing the underlying cause, such as infection or injury. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used to reduce pain and inflammation. However, in cases of chronic inflammation, specialized immunosuppressive medications might be necessary to manage the condition effectively.
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• Arteritis; of inner tunic, endarteritis; of middle tunic, mesarteritis; of outer tunic, exarteritis, periarteritis.
• A morbid change or series of reactions produced in the tissues by an irritant; it is marked by an afflux of blood with exudation of plasma and leucocytes. The sensible phenomena indicating inflammation are mainly redness, heat, pain, and swelling-rubor, calor, dolor, et tumor of the older writers-none of which, however, is an essential sign of this condition; the redness and heat are phenomena of congestion, the pain and swelling are the result of congestion combined usually with exudation.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Redness and heat in some part of the body, accompanied with pain and swelling; heat; animosity.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for INFLAMMATION *
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Other Common Misspellings for INFLAMMATION
Etymology of INFLAMMATION
The word "inflammation" derives from the Latin term "inflammatio", which comes from the verb "inflammo" meaning "to set on fire" or "to inflame". The Latin term is a combination of the preposition "in" (meaning "in" or "into") and the verb "flammo" (meaning "to flame" or "to burn"). The English term "inflammation" entered the language in the 16th century, preserving its original meaning of a localized bodily reaction characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain.
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- anti-inflammation,
- inflammable.
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