What is the process called that involves the body's response to injury or infection?

The process that involves the body's response to injury or infection is known as inflammation. This physiological response is essential for protecting the body and initiating the healing process. When tissues are damaged or infected, the body releases signaling molecules that prompt an increased blood flow to the affected area. This leads to the classic signs of inflammation: redness, heat, swelling, pain, and sometimes loss of function. Inflammation serves to contain the injury by bringing immune cells to the site, promoting healing, and preventing further infection or damage.

While healing refers to the overall recovery and restoration of tissue, inflammation specifically describes the immediate response that occurs during the injury or infection phase. Development generally refers to the growth and maturation of organisms, and regeneration is more specific to the regrowth of lost or damaged tissues, which often follows the inflammatory process. Thus, inflammation is a critical first step in the body’s ability to respond to threats and begin the healing process effectively.