During the inflammatory response, __. Select one:
a. blood flow is reduced
b. neutrophil production is depressed
c. vascular permeability is decreased
d. chemical mediators are released
e. vasoconstriction occurs
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is d. chemical mediators are released.
During the inflammatory response, chemical mediators play a key role in orchestrating the immune system’s reaction to injury or infection. These mediators include substances such as histamines, prostaglandins, bradykinin, and cytokines, which are released by various cells like mast cells, platelets, and macrophages. These mediators trigger several physiological changes in the body aimed at addressing the underlying cause of inflammation.
One of the primary effects of these chemical mediators is the increase in vascular permeability. This allows immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, to move out of the bloodstream and into the tissues where they are needed to fight infection or clear debris. These cells release enzymes and other molecules that neutralize pathogens and begin the healing process. The increase in vascular permeability also leads to the characteristic signs of inflammation, such as redness, heat, swelling, and pain, because fluid accumulates in the affected tissue and blood vessels dilate.
Another key function of chemical mediators during inflammation is the stimulation of vasodilation. This is the widening of blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the site of injury or infection, facilitating the delivery of oxygen and nutrients required for tissue repair. This process is in contrast to vasoconstriction, which would reduce blood flow and impair the immune response.
Thus, the inflammatory response is a complex and tightly regulated process where the release of chemical mediators is crucial for the proper functioning of the immune system and tissue repair mechanisms. These mediators guide various immune cells to the site of injury, helping to fight infection, repair damaged tissue, and restore homeostasis.