RESPONSE TO INJURY & ACUTE INFLAMMATION

Student Centred Learning

1. Learning Resources
o Robbins Basic Pathology – Kumar, Cotrans, Robbins 7th edition WB
Saunders Company 2003 pp 33-52.
• Pathology –Alan Stevens, James Lowe 2nd edition Mosby 2000 pp 35 – 46.

2. Background Knowledge
To study this topic effectively, students are expected to have relevant basic
knowledge on:
Anatomy & histology of the blood vessels, inflammatory cells.
Physiology of the blood vessels.

3. Terms to know
After studying the materials and doing the activities in this module, students
should be comfortable with the following terms:
a. exudate, transudate, edema
b. serous, fibrinous & purulent exudates; pus.
c. acute, chronic.
d. chemotaxis
e. extravasation, diapedesis.
f. suppurative, abscess

4. Learning Objectives
After studying the materials in this topic, students should be able to:
• Define inflammation & list the types of inflammation, highlighting the
differences.
• Describe the components of acute inflammation.
• Describe the cardinal features of acute inflammation.
• Conceptualise the role and action of chemical mediators with clinical
correlation.
• Define and list the types of exudates & describe the morphology of
exudates with clinical examples of each.
• Explain the outcome of acute inflammation with some clinical examples.
 5. Content

• Inflammation is a complex reaction to injurious agents and damaged cells.

It consists of
–Vascular responses
–Migration & activation of leukocytes
–Systemic reactions
Inflammatory response is closely intertwined with the process of repair.

Inflammation is fundamentally a protective response

. However, inflammation & repair may be potentially harmful.

Activity 1:
List the causes of inflammation.
What is the purpose of inflammation?
Discuss the beneficial and harmful effects of inflammation.
Describe one example of a harmful effect of inflammation and suggest a
possible treatment.

Activity 2:
Compare and contrast between acute and chronic inflammation.

Acute inflammation is a rapid response to an injurious agent that serves to

deliver mediators of host defense (i.e. leukocytes and plasma proteins) to the
site of injury.

Activity 3:
Elaborate on the 2 main components of inflammatory response i.e.vascular
reaction and cellular reaction.

Activity 4:
List and explain the 5 cardinal features of acute inflammation.

Perform ‘Lewis experiment’ on yourself:

1. Using a blunt point, firmly stroke the inner aspect of your forearm.
2. Observe and record the changes that follow.
3. Explain the changes.
Activity 5: Chemical mediators of inflammation
Draw a diagram or concept map that will be able to answer the following
questions.
a. What are chemical mediators?
b. What are the changes that occur with the release of chemical mediators?
c. Why are chemical mediators released?
d. Where do chemical mediators come from?
e. How do chemical mediators act?
f. What are the types of chemical mediators?

Which chemical mediators are primarily involved in the following conditions?

a) fever
b) pain

Which mediators are the most likely candidates as causes of ensuing tissue
destruction?

Activity 6: Exudation

a) Define the term exudate and list down the types.

b) “Fluid with low protein content due to ultrafiltration of blood plasma across
vascular endothelium (specific gravity < 1.012)”
Is the above statement correct in describing exudates? Explain your
answer.

c) Provide labelled diagrams / photos of the 3 different types of exudates

(gross & microscopic morphology)

Activity 7:

The possible sequelae of acute inflammation includes

• complete resolution
• abscess formation (suppuration)
• healing by organisation (scarring / fibroplasia)
• progression to chronic inflammation

A 10 year old accidentally stepped on a thorn which became embedded in his

sole. Using the above information, postulate what may happen if
a) the thorn is immediately removed
b) the thorn is not removed.

Activity 8:
 List the signs & symptoms that you suffer when you have common cold.
Describe the processes going on in your body which can explain the above
signs & symptoms.

6. Summary

In this module you have learned about the inflammatory process, focusing on
acute inflammatory reaction. You have also learned about the effects and
outcomes of acute inflammation with some clinical examples.

Activity 9:
Construct a creative and comprehensive concept map that encompasses the
main ideas in this module.

7. Evaluation

Self study MCQ: Please mark true or false and explain why.

1. Regarding acute inflammation:

a) Histamine causes arteriolar vasoconstriction.

b) Margination and emigration of neutrophils is an important event.
c) Tissue digestion is one of its harmful effects.
d) Swelling results from proliferation of fibroblasts.
e) Scarring is a common complication.