What is the term for a local swelling that may occur as a result of inflammation?

What is the term for a local swelling that may occur as a result of inflammation?

• A. Septicemia
• B. Edema
• C. Alopecia
• D. Ataxia

Answer: (B)

Edema is swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid in tissue. When inflammation occurs, chemical signals make blood vessels more permeable and dilate, allowing fluid to leak into surrounding tissues. That fluid buildup creates the local swelling you observe. The other terms describe different conditions: septicemia is a systemic infection in the bloodstream, alopecia is hair loss, and ataxia is a lack of coordinated movement, none of which describe a localized inflammatory swelling.

Edema is swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid in tissue. When inflammation occurs, chemical signals make blood vessels more permeable and dilate, allowing fluid to leak into surrounding tissues. That fluid buildup creates the local swelling you observe. The other terms describe different conditions: septicemia is a systemic infection in the bloodstream, alopecia is hair loss, and ataxia is a lack of coordinated movement, none of which describe a localized inflammatory swelling.