CHAPTER SEVEN: MORPHOLOGICAL PATTERNS IN INFLAMMATION
Definitions:
Edema _____________________________________________________________________
Subcutaneous Edema _________________________________________________________
Anasarca ___________________________________________________________________
Transudate _________________________________________________________________
Exudate ____________________________________________________________________
Introduction
Morphology is the study of the form, structure or of a biological entity. When particular stresses are applied to living things, we see changes in morphology that follow predictable patterns depending on the types of cells involved and the types of stress. Inflammation changes its “look” or presentation depending on the cause and the tissue involved. By studying the morphological patterns seen in inflammation we can determine the etiology, or the type of etiological agent involved in the inflammatory process.
Serous Inflammation
Serous inflammation describes the increased production of watery exudate. This fluid has a low cell and protein content, and is similar in composition to transudate, though the origins may differ. Serous exudate is produced either from blood plasma (as in transudate formation), or is secreted by the mesothelium of tissue. Serous inflammation can present as a visible collection of watery fluid below the epidermis or may be seen as an increase in fluid in the body cavities or in a joint cavity. caused by repeated friction. Mechanical trauma to the skin irritates the skin by pulling the layers of the skin apart. In response, the mesothelial layer produces serous exudate and secretes this exudate into the area between the living tissue of the epidermis and the non-living, keratinized outer layer of cells. The fluid acts to cushion and protect the underlying layers of the skin by reducing frictional forces. An example of serous inflammation in the skin may be the Serous inflammation in the body cavities is usually indicative of serious dysfunction. Because of the grave nature, a name has been given for the presence of fluid in each of the body cavities. Serous fluid in the thoracic cavity is called , serous fluid accumulation in the
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