Word derivation: inflammo—to set on fire.
Damage to tissue occurs (like a break in the skin).
White blood cells (basophils and mast cells) in the tissue are stimulated to release histamine.
Histamine causes the capillaries to dilate and become leaky.
Results in increased blood flow to the area.
Blood plasma and phagocytes leak out of the capillaries and into the infected tissue.
This causes the site of injury to swell, become red, warm, and tender.
Complement proteins are released to attract phagocytes.
Phagocytes engulf microbes and infected/damaged cells.