Inflammation features include the migration of white blood cells. Which statement about this change is most accurate?

Inflammation features include the migration of white blood cells. Which statement about this change is most accurate?

• A. Decreased blood flow
• B. Migration of white blood cells
• C. Decreased capillary permeability
• D. Absence of acute-phase proteins

Answer: (B)

Leukocyte recruitment is a central feature of inflammation. When tissue is injured, mediators cause vasodilation and increased vascular permeability, bringing fluid and proteins into the area and guiding white blood cells to the site. White blood cells migrate from the bloodstream into the tissue through a process called diapedesis, after rolling along the endothelium and firm adhesion. This migration is essential for phagocytosis of pathogens and debris, driving the inflammatory response forward. Decreased blood flow isn't typical—early inflammation often features increased blood flow from vasodilation (with possible transient stasis in spots). Decreased capillary permeability contradicts the need for leukocyte exit and edema, since permeability actually increases. Absence of acute-phase proteins contradicts the liver's response to inflammatory cytokines, which elevate acute-phase reactants like CRP.

Leukocyte recruitment is a central feature of inflammation. When tissue is injured, mediators cause vasodilation and increased vascular permeability, bringing fluid and proteins into the area and guiding white blood cells to the site. White blood cells migrate from the bloodstream into the tissue through a process called diapedesis, after rolling along the endothelium and firm adhesion. This migration is essential for phagocytosis of pathogens and debris, driving the inflammatory response forward.

Decreased blood flow isn't typical—early inflammation often features increased blood flow from vasodilation (with possible transient stasis in spots). Decreased capillary permeability contradicts the need for leukocyte exit and edema, since permeability actually increases. Absence of acute-phase proteins contradicts the liver's response to inflammatory cytokines, which elevate acute-phase reactants like CRP.