What are the four classic symptoms of inflammation?

The four classic symptoms of inflammation are erythema, edema, pain, and heat. Each of these symptoms reflects the body's response to injury or infection.

Erythema refers to the redness of the skin, which occurs due to increased blood flow to the affected area as part of the body's healing process. This is a key characteristic of inflammation and indicates that the immune system is mobilizing to address an issue.

Edema, or swelling, results from the accumulation of fluid in tissues, which also stems from increased permeability of blood vessels during inflammation. This allows essential immune cells and proteins to enter the damaged area to initiate recovery.

Pain is a common symptom, often caused by the release of chemicals that irritate nerve endings in the affected area. This pain serves a protective role, encouraging individuals to avoid using the injured area and allowing it time to heal.

Heat is produced by increased blood flow as well, and is often felt when touching the inflamed area, further signaling an active immune response.

The other choices incorporate elements that are relevant but do not accurately capture all four classic symptoms of inflammation. For example, while fatigue is a common symptom of many illnesses, it is not one of the classic signs of inflammation. Similarly, loss of function may occur