Haunt Me

the cardinal signs of inflammation make sense when examined in the light of our understanding of the process:

* the redness (rubor) is caused by increased blood flow and pooling of blood following injury.

* the heat (calor) is largely the result of increased blood flow to the area.

* the swelling (tumor) results because of oedema and accumulation of inflammatory exudate and clot formulation in the affected tissue spaces.

* the pain (dolor) is caused by chemicals such as the kinins (especially bradykinin) and other chemical mediators that are released following tissue injury and cellular death.