Final answer:
The four cardinal signs of inflammation include redness, swelling, pain, and local heat, with a possible fifth sign of loss of function. They reflect the body's response to injury or infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The four cardinal signs of inflammation are redness, swelling, pain, and local heat. These signs were originally documented by Cornelius Celsus during the Roman Empire and indicate the body's innate response to injury or infection.
In addition to these four, a fifth sign known as loss of function may also be present. The processes involved in inflammation encourage increased blood flow to the affected area, which results in the observable signs and aids in healing. In some cases, inflammation can also cause a systemic response such as fever, which is designed to stimulate the body's immune response.