Acute and Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation is a protective response to injury or infection, involving vascular, cellular, and molecular components. This topic explores acute inflammation (characterized by rapid onset, neutrophil infiltration, and cardinal signs) and chronic inflammation (featuring mononuclear cells, tissue destruction, and repair). It covers causes, mediators, morphological patterns (serous, fibrinous, suppurative, etc.), systemic effects, and granulomatous inflammation. For Zambian university and college students in medical, biomedical, or laboratory science programs, understanding inflammation is essential for diagnosing infectious, autoimmune, and degenerative diseases. The content is tailored to tertiary syllabi and supports examination preparation by clarifying pathogenic mechanisms and clinical correlations. Mastery of inflammation enhances diagnostic skills and readiness for professional practice in Zambia's health sector.