function

Last reviewed 01/2018

The exudate in acute inflammation has several suggested roles:

  • transport antibodies into the damaged region which:
    • neutralize toxins
    • coat microbes, thus assisting phagocytic recognition
  • dilution of toxins by an increased volume effect
  • forming a clot as a physical barrier to injurious agent or loss of blood
  • causing pain and swelling of region to encourage the organism to protect the damaged part
  • drainage of inflamed area to local lymphatics whereby an immunological response can be mounted