Final answer:
During the vascular and cellular response phase of acute inflammation, vasodilation and increased capillary permeability allow white blood cells, primarily neutrophils and macrophages, to reach the site, where they initiate phagocytosis. Acute inflammation helps to limit the spread of pathogens, but if unresolved, it can progress to chronic inflammation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vascular and Cellular Response in Acute Inflammation
During the vascular and cellular response phase of acute inflammation, several processes occur. Initially, chemical signals released by injured cells lead to vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels, and increased capillary permeability. As a result, there's an influx of white blood cells, especially neutrophils and later macrophages, to the site of injury or infection.
Neutrophils and macrophages carry out phagocytosis, engulfing and digesting pathogens or debris. Acute inflammation is a defense mechanism that isolates and limits the spread of pathogens, making it a crucial part of the immune response. However, if this acute response doesn't resolve the problem, it can lead to chronic inflammation, with potentially more severe tissue damage and fibrosis.
Mediators such as histamine and leukotrienes help to regulate this phase by increasing blood flow and the permeability of blood vessels, which in turn facilitates the fluid and cells' migration to the injured site. Pain is a common symptom during this phase due to the release of prostaglandins. The body's innate immune system targets and eliminates the sources of infection through this sequence of events.