The word inflammation is derived from Latin – inflammare which means to set on fire. Inflammation is a part of compolex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants.
The process of inflammation is an attempt by the body to get rid of the injurious stimuli and to begin healing process.
Inflammation can be classified as either acute or chronic. Acute inflammation is the initial response of the body to harmful stimuli and is achieved by the increased movement of plasma and leukocytes (especially granulocytes ) from the blood into the injured tissues.
A cascade of biochemical events propagates and matures the inflammatory response, involving the local vascular system, the immune system, and various cells within the injured tissue. Prolonged inflammation, known as chronic inflammation, leads to a progressive shift in the type of cells present at the site of inflammation and is characterized by simultaneous destruction and healing of the tissue from the inflammatory process.
Here are five cardinal signs of acute inflammation. These signs are present in the area where inflammation is active.
- Dolor (pain)
- Calor (heat)
- Rubor (redness)
- Turgor (swelling)
- Functio laesa (loss of function)
The first four signs are called classical signs and were described by Celsus while loss of function was added later by Galen.
These five signs appear when acute inflammation occurs on the body’s surface, whereas acute inflammation of internal organs may not result in the full set. Pain only happens where the appropriate sensory nerve endings exist in the inflamed area .
