PATHOLOGY - INFLAMMATION

Introduction • Inflammation is a defensive reaction intended to neutralize, control, or eliminate the offending agent and to prepare the site for repair. • Meant to serve a protective function. • Occurs in cell injury events, such as strokes and myocardial infarctions. Introduction • Inflammation is an adaptive response to noxious conditions-an attempt to restore homeostasis • Inflammation can be induced by immune recognition that is hypersensitive to environmental components Introduction • Cells or tissues of the body may be injured or killed by any of the agents (physical, chemical, infectious) after which an inflammatory response naturally occurs in the healthy tissues adjacent to the site of injury. Etiologies • Microbial infections: bacterial, viral, fungal, etc. • Physical agents: burns, trauma--like cuts, radiation • Chemicals: drugs, toxins, or caustic substances like battery acid. • Immunologic reactions: rheumatoid arthritis.