Chapter 7: Problem 26

Which of the following is most directly responsible for the increase in capillary permeability during the inflammatory reaction? a. pain b. white blood cells c. histamine d. tissue damage

Short Answer

Expert verified

The most directly responsible factor for increasing capillary permeability during the inflammatory reaction is histamine (option C). Histamine is released during an inflammatory response and causes the dilation of blood vessels and an increase in capillary permeability, allowing plasma and white blood cells to enter the tissues.

Step by step solution

Understand the inflammatory reaction

The inflammatory reaction is the body's response to harmful stimuli, such as injury or infection. The purpose of the inflammatory reaction is to eliminate the cause of cell injury, clear dead cells and tissues, and promote tissue repair and healing.

Option A: Pain

Pain is a symptom of the inflammatory reaction, not a direct cause of the increase in capillary permeability. Pain occurs due to the release of chemicals that stimulate nerve endings and ongoing tissue damage. Therefore, option A can be eliminated.

Option B: White blood cells

White blood cells, or leukocytes, play a crucial role in the immune system and inflammation. They help fight infection and are attracted to the site of inflammation. While they do contribute to the overall response, they do not directly cause an increase in capillary permeability during the inflammatory reaction. Therefore, option B can be eliminated.

Option C: Histamine

Histamine is a compound released by mast cells and basophils during an inflammatory response. Histamine causes the dilation of blood vessels and an increase in capillary permeability, allowing plasma and white blood cells to enter the tissues. This increase in permeability is what leads to the characteristic swelling, redness, and heat associated with inflammation. Option C is the best answer to the question.

Option D: Tissue damage

While tissue damage can initiate the inflammatory response as the body reacts to injury, it is not directly responsible for the increase in capillary permeability. Instead, it causes the release of chemical mediators such as histamine, which then increase the permeability of capillaries. Therefore, option D can be eliminated. After evaluating all options, it is clear that histamine (option C) is the most directly responsible factor for increasing capillary permeability during the inflammatory reaction.

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Which of the following is most directly responsible for the increase in capillary permeability during the inflammatory reaction? a. pain b. white blood cells c. histamine d. tissue damage

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the inflammatory reaction

Option A: Pain

Option B: White blood cells

Option C: Histamine

Option D: Tissue damage

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