Acute inflammation begins within seconds to minutes following injury to tissues. It is characterised by four cardinal features (Latin terms in brackets):
Redness (rubor) – secondary to vasodilatation and increased blood flow
Heat (calor) – localised increase in temperature, also due to increased blood flow
Swelling (tumour) – results from increased vessel permeability, allowing fluid loss into the interstitial space
Pain (dolor) – caused by stimulation of the local nerve endings, from mechanical and chemical mediators.(source: teachmesurgery.com)
Acute inflammation begins within seconds to minutes following injury to tissues. It is characterised by four cardinal features (Latin terms in brackets):
Redness (rubor) – secondary to vasodilatation and increased blood flow
Heat (calor) – localised increase in temperature, also due to increased blood flow
Swelling (tumour) – results from increased vessel permeability, allowing fluid loss into the interstitial space
Pain (dolor) – caused by stimulation of the local nerve endings, from mechanical and chemical mediators.(source: teachmesurgery.com)