Inflammation 3, Tissue Response 

The inflammatory response
Inflammation is not a disease in itself but it is the local reaction of the body to some insult or injury. The inflammatory response is both normal and necessary. As inflammation is the first stage in the healing process, it is a necessary initial reaction which promotes further tissue regeneration after injury. Inflammation literally means 'to set afire' and the suffix 'itis' is used to describe an inflammatory response. Conditions with an inflammatory component are seen daily in any form of clinical practice. For example, bronchitis describes inflammation of the bronchial passages. Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils. Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. Peritonitis, the peritoneal membranes. Conjunctivitis, the conjunctiva lining the front of the eye. Meningitis, the meningeal layers of the dura, arachnoid and pia mater. Gastritis, the stomach. Cholecystitis, the gallbladder. Cystitis, the bladder. Pyelonephritis, the kidneys. Colitis, the colon.