What is the definition of inflammation in a medical context?

Inflammation in a medical context is defined as a localized response to an injury or tissue destruction. This process typically occurs in response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. The symptoms of inflammation often include redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function in the affected area.

This localized response is crucial for the healing process as it helps to isolate and eliminate the cause of injury or infection while also initiating tissue repair. The inflammatory response includes increased blood flow to the area, which brings immune cells and nutrients necessary for healing. Therefore, identifying inflammation as a localized process highlights its specificity to the injured or affected tissue, distinguishing it from broader systemic responses that might involve the whole body.