Define inflammation cascade.
A complex biological response to harmful stimuli, involving immune cells, blood vessels, and molecular mediators.
What triggers the inflammation cascade?
Injury, infection, or harmful stimuli activate the cascade.
Fill in the blank: Cytokines are _______ that mediate inflammation.
proteins
What role do mast cells play in inflammation?
They release histamine and other mediators to initiate the inflammatory response.
Define histamine.
A chemical released by mast cells that increases blood vessel permeability during inflammation.
What is the function of prostaglandins?
They promote inflammation, pain, and fever as part of the immune response.
True or false: Neutrophils are the first responders in inflammation.
TRUE
They migrate to sites of infection or injury quickly.
Fill in the blank: Chemokines attract _______ to the site of inflammation.
immune cells
What is the role of complement proteins?
They enhance the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens.
Define phagocytosis.
The process by which cells engulf and digest pathogens or debris.
What is the purpose of vascular permeability in inflammation?
To allow immune cells and proteins to access the affected tissue.
True or false: Chronic inflammation can lead to tissue damage.
TRUE
It is associated with diseases like arthritis and heart disease.
What are inflammatory mediators?
Substances released during inflammation that regulate the response and promote healing.
Fill in the blank: C-reactive protein is a marker of _______ in the body.
inflammation
What is the role of T cells in inflammation?
They help regulate immune responses and can directly kill infected cells.
Define acute inflammation.
A short-term response to injury or infection characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain.
What is the function of macrophages?
They engulf pathogens and debris and secrete cytokines to coordinate the immune response.
True or false: Inflammation always indicates an infection.
FALSE
It can also occur due to injury or autoimmune reactions.
What is the role of endothelial cells in inflammation?
They line blood vessels and regulate the passage of immune cells into tissues.
Fill in the blank: Inflammation can be classified as _______ or chronic.
acute
What is the purpose of anti-inflammatory drugs?
To reduce inflammation, pain, and fever by inhibiting inflammatory mediators.
Define cytokine storm.
An excessive immune response resulting in high levels of cytokines, potentially causing tissue damage.
What is the function of interleukins?
They are a group of cytokines that mediate communication between immune cells.
True or false: Inflammation is always beneficial to the body.
FALSE
While it is protective, excessive inflammation can cause harm.
