Answer to Question #130897 in Biology for Abhishek

Question

Explain the process of acute inflammation.

Answer 1

Acute inflammation is a process that occurs in tissues and lasts for several minutes or hours. The process is mediated by the immune cells that are already present in the tissues comprising dendritic cells, macrophages, mast cells, Kupfer cells, etc. These cells recognize pathogens or damaged host cells via their surface receptors. The binding of the targets to the receptors leads to the activation of immune cells that release pro-inflammatory mediators. These molecules induce vasodilation associated with increased blood flow in the tissues (recognized as redness and heat), increase permeability of blood vessels (recognized as edema and swelling), and increases sensitivity to pain. These mediators stimulate the migration of more immune cells from blood, as well as activate non-cellular immune pathways (i.e., complement system). As a result, all these processes are directed to neutralize and eliminate the pathogen or degrade impaired tissues.