Tulehdusnestettä

Tulehdusnestettä, also known as inflammatory exudate, is a fluid that accumulates in tissues during the inflammatory process. It is a key component of the body's response to injury or infection. This fluid is characterized by its high protein content, including various inflammatory mediators, immune cells, and plasma proteins.

The formation of tulehdusnestettä begins with increased vascular permeability. Following tissue damage or the presence of pathogens, local blood vessels dilate and become more permeable. This allows plasma components, such as albumin, antibodies, and clotting factors, to leak from the bloodstream into the surrounding interstitial space. Simultaneously, various types of white blood cells, particularly neutrophils, migrate to the site of inflammation through a process called diapedesis, contributing to the cellular component of the exudate.

The composition of tulehdusnestettä can vary depending on the cause and stage of inflammation. In acute inflammation, it is often characterized by a high concentration of neutrophils. In chronic inflammation, lymphocytes and macrophages may become more prevalent. Tulehdusnestettä plays a crucial role in the inflammatory cascade by diluting and neutralizing harmful substances, bringing immune cells to the affected area, and facilitating tissue repair. However, excessive accumulation can lead to swelling (edema), pain, and impaired tissue function.