in·flam·ma·tion

"in-fl&-'mĀ-sh&n

noun

a local response to cellular injury that is marked by capillary dilatation, leukocytic infiltration, redness, heat, pain, swelling, and often loss of function and that serves as a mechanism initiating the elimination of noxious agents and of damaged tissue

© 2006 Merriam-Webster, Inc.

Merriam-Webster's Medical Desk Dictionary, 3rd Edition

inflammation

in′flă-mā′shŭn

Avoid the misspelling inflamation. A fundamental pathologic process consisting of a dynamic complex of histologically apparent cytologic changes, cellular infiltration, and mediator release that occurs in the affected blood vessels and adjacent tissues in response to an injury or abnormal stimulation caused by a physical, chemical, or biologic agent, including the local reactions and resulting morphologic changes; the destruction or removal of the injurious material; and the responses that lead to repair and healing. The so-called cardinal signs of inflammation are rubor, redness; calor, heat (or warmth); tumor, swelling; and dolor, pain; a fifth sign, functio laesa, inhibited or lost function, is sometimes added. All these signs may be observed in certain instances, but none is necessarily always present. [L. inflammo, pp. -atus, fr. in, in, + flamma, flame]

© 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Stedman's Medical Dictionary, 28th Edition

1. Sinusitis (2 Images)  (Trust Mark: Doctor-Reviewed)
Sinusitis refers to inflammation of the sinuses that occurs with a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. See also: Chronic sinusitis • Reviewer: Alden J. Pearl, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor
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2. Crohn's disease (8 Images)  (Trust Mark: Doctor-Reviewed)
Crohn's disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which involves ongoing (chronic) inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's-related... • Reviewer: Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology
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3. Crohn's Disease  (Trust Mark: Doctor-Reviewed)
Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), resulting in swelling and dysfunction of the intestinal tract. • Author: Rosalyn S. Carson-DeWitt
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4. Ulcerative Colitis  (Trust Mark: Doctor-Reviewed)
Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes swelling, ulcerations, and loss of function of the large intestine. • Author: Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt MD
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