The inflammatory response- defense mechanism to protect an organism from infection and injury.

Its purpose is to localize and eliminate the injurious agent and to remove damaged tissue
components so that the body can begin to heal.

The response consists of changes in blood flow, an increase in permeability of blood vessels, and the
migration of fluid, proteins, and white blood cells (leukocytes) from the circulation to the site of
tissue damage.

Key signs 

 Redness= caused by the dilation of small blood vessels in the area of injury.
 Heat= results from increased blood flow through the area and is experienced only in
peripheral parts of the body such as the skin. 
 Swelling (edema)= caused primarily by the accumulation of fluid outside the blood
vessels.
 Pain= -from the distortion of tissues caused by edema,
            - induced by certain chemical mediators of inflammation, such as bradykinin,
serotonin, and the
              prostaglandins.
 Loss of function- result from pain that inhibits mobility or from severe swelling that
prevents
                                    movement in the area.