D) Inflammation
This is a non-specific defensive response to tissue damage. These are pathogens, abrasions, chemical irritations, distortion or disturbances of cells, and extreme temperatures. The 4 characteristic signs of inflammation are: redness, pain, heat, and swelling. Inflammation is an attempt to dispose of microbes, toxins, or foreign material at the site of injury; to prevent their spread to other tissues; and to prepare the site for tissue repair. Massage Therapists add a fifth stage. Therefore 5 signs of inflammation: 1. heat 2. pain 3. swelling 4. redness 5. loss of function
The inflammatory response has 3 basic stages :
1) Vasodilatation and Increased Permeability of Blood Vessels
Immediately after tissue injury there is Vasodilatation and Increased Permeability of capillaries. Increased permeability allows substances not normally able to leave the blood to do so. Vasodilatation causes more blood flow through the damaged area and permeability permits defensive proteins such as antibodies and clotting factors to enter the injured area from the blood. Increase blood flow also helps to remove microbial toxins and dead cells.
Among the substances that contribute to inflammation are:
Histamine
Causes vasodilatation and increased permeability Released by mast cells in CT, basophils and platelets.
Kinins
Induce vasodilation, and increased permeability Are Polypeptides formed in the blood.
Prostaglandins
Intensify the effects of Histamine and Kinins Released by damaged cells.
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