Final answer:
Acute inflammation is the immediate response of the body to injury or infection, characterized by redness, swelling, and the mobilization of immune cells to the site. If not resolved, it can progress to chronic inflammation which leads to long-term tissue damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of inflammation that occurs at the site of an injury or infection is c) Acute inflammation. This is a short-term inflammatory response that is localized to the area where the injury or infection occurred. Such inflammatory responses are a crucial component of the innate immune system, which acts immediately upon an infection or injury to prevent further harm. During acute inflammation, chemical mediators and cellular defenses are mobilized to the affected site to eradicate the pathogen, remove debris, and start the healing process. The swelling and redness associated with inflammation are due to histamine-induced vasodilation and increased capillary permeability, allowing immune cells and fluid to enter the tissue from the bloodstream.
However, if the cause of inflammation is not resolved, it may progress to chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a long-term and ongoing process that can lead to tissue destruction, formation of granulomas, and fibrotic scarring. This type of inflammation is characteristic of autoimmune diseases, persistent infections, and reactions to foreign bodies.