What is inflammation
The body’s response to injury or infection using different types of cells
What are the types of inflammation
What are neutrophil polymorphs
White blood cells made in the bone marrow with a very short lifespan
What is the rough lifespan of a neutrophil polymorph
2-3 days
Describe the shape of a neutrophil polymorph
Polylobed nucleus
Function of polymorphs
Phagocytose debris and bacteria and kill and digest them using lysosomes
What cell responds first in acute inflammation
Neutrophil polymorphs
What is a macrophage
A type of white blood cell
How do macrophages differ to neutrophils
Macrophages have a longer lifespan than neutrophils
Function of neutrophils
Give 3 examples of types of macrophages
What is a lymphocyte
A type of WBC with long lifespan
Function of lymphocytes
Function of a fibroblast
Produce collagenous connective tissue in scarring following some types of inflammation.
What are the 5 cardinal signs of inflammation?
Stages of inflammation
Sequence of chronic inflammation
• either progresses from acute inflammation or starts as ‘chronic’ inflammation such as infectious mononucleosis (thus better term is macrophage/lymphocyte-mediated inflammation)
• no or very few neutrophils
• macrophages and lymphocytes, then usually fibroblasts
• can resolve if no tissue damage (e.g. viral infection like glandular fever) but often ends up with repair and formation of scar tissue
What is a granuloma
When are granulomas commonly seen?
Broad pattern of acute inflammation
Polymorph neutrophils first then macrophages later.
cells involved in chronic inflammation
• Lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages.
• Epithelioid macrophages can sometimes be seen as granulomas
Name five causes of inflammation
Why does inflammation occur
To bring all the cells needed for healing to the site of inflammation
Name 5 causes of acute inflammation