Dictionary > Suppuration

Suppuration

Definition
noun
The process of forming of and discharging pus from a sore or a wound, or the pus itself
Supplement
Suppuration is a process that takes place during an inflammation. Inflammation is an important process during tissue repair. During inflammation, chemical mediators are released by cells to cause vascular changes so that immune cells are transported to the site. The immune cells act upon foreign bodies (e.g. bacteria), cell debris, and dead cells.
Exudate is also formed at the site during inflammation and there are different types of exudates produced. Examples include serous, purulent, and hemorrhagic exudates. A purulent exudate is one that is formed through suppuration. This type of exudate is formed during a severe inflammation accompanied by infection. It varies in color depending on the kind of microbial agent causing the infection. It may be yellow, green, or brown in color. It is thicker than a serous exudate because of the presence of white blood cells (especially neutrophils) together with the infective microbial cells and the liquefied dead tissue debris. 1
Word origin: Latin sūppuratiō (from sub- + ”pūs pus)
Synonym(s):

See also:

  • purulent inflammation
  • purulent
  • pus
  • exudate
  • Related term(s):

    Reference(s):

    1White, L., Duncan, G., & Baumle, W. (2010). Foundations of Adult Health Nursing. NY: Cengage Learning.


    You will also like...

    Geological Periods
    Geological Periods

    Geological periods is a study guide that cites the different geological periods on Earth's timeline. Each has a brief ov..

    sponge
    Primitive Animals

    Life, as we know it today, is presumed to have started in the sea and many of them were likely eukaryotic animal-like or..

    Consciousness and behavior
    Consciousness and Behavior

    Human consciousness and behavior are an interesting topic since they are determined and controlled by the brain. Conscio..

    Biological Viruses
    Biological Viruses

    Viruses possess both living and non-living characteristics. This unique feature distinguishes them from other organisms...

    Carbohydrates, fats and proteins - dietary sources
    A Balanced Diet – Carbohydrates and Fat

    Apart from vitamins, the human body also requires high energy sources such as carbohydrates and fats. If you want an ove..

    IQ, Creativity and Learning
    IQ, Creativity and Learning

    Human intelligence provided the means to utilize abstract ideas and implement reasoning. This tutorial takes a further l..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics