The inflammatory process involves a series of steps that occur in response to tissue injury or infection. These steps are as follows:
1. Injury or infection: The inflammatory process is triggered by tissue injury or infection. This can be caused by physical trauma, pathogens, or chemical irritants.
2. Vasodilation: The injured tissue releases chemical signals, such as histamine, that cause the blood vessels in the area to dilate. This increases blood flow to the site of injury, leading to redness and warmth.
3. Increased vascular permeability: The blood vessels become more permeable, allowing fluid, proteins, and immune cells to leak out of the blood vessels and into the surrounding tissue. This leads to swelling or edema.
4. Migration of immune cells: Immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, are attracted to the site of injury by chemical signals released by the damaged tissue. These immune cells migrate from the blood vessels into the tissue to fight off pathogens and remove debris.
5. Phagocytosis: Neutrophils and macrophages engulf and destroy pathogens and cellular debris through a process called phagocytosis. This helps to eliminate the source of infection or injury.
6. Release of inflammatory mediators: Immune cells release various chemical mediators, such as cytokines and prostaglandins, which further enhance the inflammatory response. These mediators help to recruit more immune cells to the site of injury and promote tissue repair.
7. Tissue repair: Once the infection or injury is under control, the inflammatory response transitions into the tissue repair phase. Fibroblasts produce collagen to rebuild damaged tissue, and new blood vessels form to restore blood supply to the area.
8. Resolution: As the tissue heals, the inflammatory response gradually subsides. The blood vessels return to their normal state, and the swelling and redness resolve.