Question

Which refers to swelling as a result of inflammation? a. erythema b. edema c. granuloma d. vasodilation

Short answer

b. edema

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

Determine what the question is asking. In this case, it is asking which term refers to swelling caused by inflammation.

Define Terms

Look at the definitions of the terms provided: erythema, edema, granuloma, vasodilation.

Definition of Erythema

Erythema refers to redness of the skin typically caused by capillary congestion.

Definition of Edema

Edema refers to swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid in tissues, often due to inflammation.

Definition of Granuloma

Granuloma refers to a small area of inflammation caused by tissue injury, often seen in chronic infections.

Definition of Vasodilation

Vasodilation refers to the widening of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure.

Select the Correct Answer

Based on the definitions, identify which term refers to swelling due to inflammation.

Conclusion

The correct answer is 'b. edema' because edema is defined as swelling caused by fluid accumulation due to inflammation.

Key concepts

erythema

Erythema describes the redness of the skin. It usually occurs due to increased blood flow in the capillaries. This condition is a common sign of inflammation but isn't swelling. The redness can appear in patches, and is often seen in situations like sunburn, infections, or allergic reactions.
If you press on an area of erythema, the reddened skin may turn white momentarily before the red color returns. This can signal that blood is flowing back into the small blood vessels. Erythema is involved in many skin conditions:

• Sunburn
• Infections
• Various rashes

It's crucial to recognize erythema because it indicates an inflammatory response but does not indicate swelling like edema.

edema

Edema refers to the swelling caused by the buildup of fluid in the tissues of the body. This condition often results from inflammation, and can make the affected area look larger or puffed. Edema can occur in different parts of the body like the legs, arms, hands, and feet.
Causes of edema include:

• Injury
• Infection
• Chronic conditions like heart failure or kidney disease

The swelling is often more noticeable after a period of rest or immobility, such as in the morning. Edema is important to identify because it indicates fluid retention and can sometimes be serious, depending on the underlying cause.

granuloma

A granuloma is a small area of inflammation that arises as a result of the immune system attempting to isolate substances it perceives as foreign but is unable to eliminate. These can be chronic and are often associated with infections like tuberculosis or with conditions like sarcoidosis.
Granulomas are typically small and localized, and they form as the body tries to wall off foreign invaders like bacteria or irritants. Key features include:

• Presence in chronic infections
• Localized inflammation
• Formation as a protective response

While granulomas don't usually cause symptoms on their own, their presence is significant because it indicates a response to a persistent problem in the tissues.

vasodilation

Vasodilation refers to the widening of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure and increases blood flow to particular areas of the body. This process is a natural response to various stimuli like heat, low oxygen levels, or inflammation.
When blood vessels dilate, blood flow increases, which can help deliver oxygen and nutrients to areas in need, such as an injured or inflamed site. This process can cause a warm feeling and redness in the affected area. Key points of vasodilation include:

• Helps to regulate temperature
• Increases blood flow
• Induced by inflammation or heat

Understanding vasodilation is vital because it can affect blood pressure and is a crucial aspect of the inflammatory response, although it isn't directly related to swelling.