Dictionary > Suppurative inflammation

Suppurative inflammation

Definition
noun
A type of inflammation accompanied by the discharge of purulent exudate (pus)
Supplement
Inflammation is a condition or a response of the body caused by an injury or infection. It may be included as a reparative process of an injured tissue. During inflammation, the affected part of the body may become swollen, erythematous, hot, and painful. It is a natural response of the body against injuries and infection. It is employed by the body to protect the body by preventing the infection from further spreading and for making the site more permeable to immune cells that can remove pathogens and dead cellular debris. Inflammation that is accompanied by suppuration is called suppurative inflammation. When inflammation does not involve pus formation it is said to be nonsuppurative.
In suppurative inflammation, there is a purulent exudate at the injured site. The purulent exudate (synonymous to pus) forms as a result of the action of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (e.g. neutrophils) against pathogens (e.g. bacteria) and their liquefaction of necrotic tissue elements. Thus, the purulent exudate in the inflamed body part is characteristically thick, and may vary in color depending on the pathogen causing the infection. Because of this, suppurative inflammation is also called purulent inflammation.
Word origin: Latin suppurare (to form pus) + inflammation
Synonym(s):

  • purulent inflammation

See also:

  • suppuration
  • exudate
  • pus


  • 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..

    dinosaurs
    The Dinosaurs

    Dinosaurs represented a major turn in the evolutionary development of organisms on Earth. The first dinosaurs were presu..

    Transpiration
    Water in Plants

    The movement of molecules (specifically, water and solutes) is vital to the understanding of plant processes. This tuto..

    genes controlling growth and development
    Control of Growth & Development

    Control of Growth & Development tutorials look at how the genetic makeup determines the biological processes on a da..

    Population Growth and Survivorship
    Population Growth and Survivorship

    This lesson looks at population attributes, regulation, and growth. It also covers population genetics, particularly gen..

    Human gastrointestinal tract
    Human Biology – Food and Digestion

    This tutorial recognizes the importance of food as a source of energy that will fuel many biological processes. A good d..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics