Question

Why is the inflammatory response a key factor in the identification of and defense against an invading microbe. Include in your discussion

a. the role of cytokines in an infammatory response

b. what causes the redness and warmth at the site

c. what other processes does it sets into motion.

Answer 1

I've included all parts in the discussion, they are not necessarily in the same order.

Inflammatory response is a part innate immune system of the body, which is also known as first line of body’s defense against an invading microbe. Inflammatory response takes place when tissues in the body are damaged by an invading microbe through toxins, antigens or any other way. (c) The cells in the damaged tissues release chemicals such as histamine, bradykinin, and prostaglandins. These chemicals lead to widening of the local blood vessels to bring more blood to the site of infection. Also, the release of chemicals from damaged cells causes blood vessels to leak fluid into the tissues, which causes swelling of the affected part and in turn isolates the foreign substance from further contact with body tissues.(b) The widening of blood vessels during inflammation allows the white blood cells to reach the site of inflammation site to give support to the local immune cells, and the increased blood flow to the site of inflammation leads to signs like swelling, redness, warmth and pain at the site of infection.

(a) Immune cells use cytokines to communicate the inflammatory response with the other cells; Cytokines are a group of proteins secreted by cells of the immune system that act as chemical messengers. Cytokines released from one cell affect the actions of other cells by binding to receptors on their surface. The receptors receive the cytokine's chemical message for the cell, and then the receiving cell performs activities based on that message.

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