Lesson One - Inflammation

Inflammation Definition

Inflammation, also known as the inflammatory response, is how the body defends itself from real or perceived threats. These threats can be germs, viruses, cancer, a transplanted organ, foreign object, or psychological or emotional stressors. When the body is faced with any of these things, the immune system is triggered and various types of chemicals, such as clotting proteins and signalling molecules. Signs of inflammation include warmth, redness, swelling, pain, and loss of function, such as a stuffed-up nose leading to a decreased sense of smell, or stiff joints.

The suffix -itis means inflammation. Many conditions are named to indicate where the inflammation is occurring. For example, tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon.

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