Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

21. The Immune System

First-Line Defenses: Chemical Barriers

Anatomy & Physiology

21. The Immune System

First-Line Defenses: Chemical Barriers

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3:15 minutes

Problem 26

Textbook Question

Capillary permeability increases and plasma proteins leak into the interstitial fluid as part of the inflammatory process. Why is this desirable?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the inflammatory process: The inflammatory response is the body's defense mechanism against injury or infection. It aims to isolate the affected area, remove harmful agents, and initiate tissue repair.

Recognize the role of capillary permeability: Increased capillary permeability allows plasma proteins, such as fibrinogen and immunoglobulins, to move from the bloodstream into the interstitial fluid. This is a key feature of the inflammatory process.

Explain the function of plasma proteins: Plasma proteins like fibrinogen help form a fibrin mesh, which isolates the injured area and prevents the spread of pathogens. Immunoglobulins (antibodies) aid in neutralizing pathogens and marking them for destruction by immune cells.

Discuss the benefits of fluid accumulation: The leakage of plasma proteins into the interstitial fluid also attracts water due to osmotic pressure, leading to localized swelling (edema). This swelling helps dilute toxins and provides a medium for immune cells to move and function effectively.

Summarize the desirability: The increased capillary permeability and plasma protein leakage are desirable because they enhance the immune response, promote tissue repair, and protect the body from further damage or infection.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Capillary Permeability

Capillary permeability refers to the ability of substances to pass through the capillary walls. During inflammation, the permeability of capillaries increases, allowing larger molecules, such as plasma proteins, to escape into the surrounding tissue. This process is crucial for facilitating the immune response and delivering necessary proteins to the site of injury or infection.

Inflammatory Response

The inflammatory response is the body's immediate reaction to injury or infection, characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain. It serves to isolate and eliminate pathogens, clear out damaged cells, and initiate tissue repair. Increased capillary permeability is a key feature of this response, enabling immune cells and proteins to reach affected areas more effectively.

Plasma Proteins in Inflammation

Plasma proteins, such as antibodies and clotting factors, play a vital role in the inflammatory process. When they leak into the interstitial fluid, they help to neutralize pathogens, promote clotting, and attract immune cells to the site of injury. This leakage is desirable as it enhances the body's ability to respond to threats and initiate healing.