Which term is defined as inflammation?

• A. A bruise or skin discoloration caused by bleeding under the skin
• B. Swelling due to fluid buildup
• C. Death of body tissue
• D. Inflammation is the body's protective response to injury or infection, causing redness, heat, swelling, and pain

Answer: (D)

Inflammation is the body's protective response to injury or infection, causing redness, heat, swelling, and pain. This definition emphasizes the purpose of the process—to defend and repair tissue—and the typical signs that result from increased blood flow and chemical mediators in the affected area. The other descriptions describe related but distinct ideas: a bruise is bleeding under the skin; swelling from fluid buildup can occur with inflammation but isn’t the process itself; tissue death is a separate condition. Remembering the purpose and the hallmark signs helps you recognize when inflammation is happening, such as a cut area that looks red, feels warm, swells, and hurts.