Final answer:
An open wound is when the skin's surface is broken, making it susceptible to infections. Inflammation is the natural reaction of the body, signaling a defense against potential infections caused by injuries like scrapes, cuts, and punctures.
Step-by-step explanation:
A wound is considered open when the skin's surface is broken, leading to possible health risks like infections. Conditions such as scrapes, cuts, and punctures are types of open wounds that breach the protective barrier of the skin, leaving the underlying tissues exposed to the external environment. This break in the skin makes it easier for pathogens such as bacteria and viruses to enter the body, increasing the risk of infection. Therefore, it is important to clean and protect even minor injuries to prevent pathogens from entering through these wounds.
Inflammation is a natural response that occurs when the skin is injured. Signs of inflammation include redness, warmth, and pain at the site of injury. This response recruits white blood cells to the afflicted area to fight off potential infections, signifying the body's second line of defense against invading pathogens.