Final answer:
The inflammatory response to tissue injury involves the release of chemical mediators, which leads to vasodilation, increased permeability, swelling, and pain. This sets the stage for the immune system to contain the injury and begin tissue repair, although the recovery varies among different tissues. Anti-inflammatory drugs can assist in reducing inflammation and pain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Inflammatory Response to Tissue Injury
When tissue injury occurs, the body launches an inflammatory response. Damage to cells leads to the release of various inflammatory chemical mediators like histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes, which cause local blood vessels to dilate (vasodilation) and become more permeable. This allows white blood cells (WBCs), fluid, and proteins to move into the interstitial space, leading to swelling or edema and pain, as well as warmth and redness at the site. Dead tissue and WBCs form what's known as inflammatory exudate, which aids in containing the injury and preventing the spread of infection.
Following the initial response, the body begins to repair the damaged tissue. Collagen fibers are laid down by fibroblasts, leading to the formation of granulation tissue. This marks the beginning of the healing process, although the regenerative capacity varies among different tissue types. While epithelial and connective tissues have the ability to regenerate efficiently, muscle and nervous tissues may not repair as readily or at all. The use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs can help reduce inflammation and pain by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins.