Final answer:
Inflammation occurs when the innate immune system is trying to send phagocytes to an infected or injured area, characterized by heat, redness, pain, and swelling; it is part of the body's defense mechanism for fighting pathogens and healing tissue.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process that occurs when the innate immune system is attempting to flush a specific area with phagocytes is known as inflammation. Inflammation is a fundamental innate immune response characterized by the four cardinal signs: heat, redness, pain, and swelling. The inflammatory response involves increasing blood flow to areas of infection or injury, allowing for a higher concentration of immune cells, including phagocytes, to contain and eliminate the invading pathogens. This response is also crucial for tissue repair. If the source of inflammation persists, such as with foreign bodies or autoimmune diseases, it may transition into chronic inflammation, which has the potential for major tissue damage and fibrosis.